Counter-terror unit investigates Iran link to suspected RAF base bomb plot
Counter-terrorism police are investigating whether Iran was behind a suspected bomb plot targeting an RAF base used by US forces in England.
Five men have been arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vans were spotted travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in the early hours of Sunday.
Police received a call around 12.45am reporting the vehicles apparently heading towards the air base, prompting armed officers to respond. The five men were arrested in the nearby Whelford area.
RAF Fairford is a key US Air Force outpost in Europe and has been used by American aircraft to carry out strikes on Iran.
Police are believed to be examining several possible motives, including a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot. However, an Iran-linked motive is currently considered the most likely.
Sources suggested that if Tehran was linked to the plot, it is more likely they would have used their own operatives rather than relying on criminal proxies as they have done for previous incidents.
US President Donald Trump said the arrested men were “looking to do big damage”.
Describing the police operation, the President told reporters in the US: “It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job.
“We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
Army bomb-disposal specialists were subsequently deployed to examine the vehicles. A bomb-disposal robot moved between the vans, two of which had their rear doors open, while large black items could be seen scattered nearby.
Some 85 homes were evacuated with residents rushed out of their houses at around 1.30am before being sent to nearby Cirencester Leisure Centre.
One woman forced to leave her home said: “We were evacuated at 7am this morning. There was banging on the door and I answered in my nightie.
“An officer said a major incident was taking place near the air base and we had to leave immediately.”
Armed officers from Gloucestershire Police set up roadblocks on key routes into Whelford and the base while investigations continue.
One of the vans flagged to the police and examined by bomb disposal robots had “FUEL 2YOU” written on the side in red lettering, with a phone number.
However, the number appeared to be one digit short and was not recognised when called by Telegraph reporters. The company name does not return any Google search results and cannot be found on Companies House.
Fuel2U, a mobile fuel delivery company in Beaconsfield, said the van had no relation to their company.
It is understood that the investigation is being led by counter-terror police and the arrests were not part of a pre-planned operation.
Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, was receiving updates on the incident.
In a post on X, he thanked those who had to leave their homes and added: “The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe.”
A government spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”
The air base, which has been on heightened alert in recent days, hosts United States air force personnel and has been used to launch operations against Iran during the war in the Middle East.
In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to attack RAF Fairford and made veiled threats against the “British monarchy regime”.
The IRGC said “any base used for aggression against Iranian territory is a legitimate target for us”.
The Government has allowed US planes based at RAF Fairford to carry out defensive strikes on Iranian sites that have been targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
An Army explosive ordnance disposal team was at the site examining a number of vehicles. Military tractors could be seen barricading the entrances to the base.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Constabulary said a major incident had been declared, adding: “It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.
“The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre. A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.
“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
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