UK desk
Fairford Terrorist Attack Attempt
26 September – 1 October 2026Newest firstUpdated Thursday 1 October 2026
Counter Terrorism Policing has arrested a sixth suspect, a dual British-Iranian national, on charges of preparing terrorist acts. Five London men in their 20s remain on bail, not charged. Police found no IEDs in the three vans; petrol was recovered. Prime Minister Andy Burnham says there are “strong indications” Iran played a part; Tehran rejects that. The Whelford scene reopened Wednesday.
Current status
- Lead
- Counter Terrorism Policing
- Suspects
- Five men on bail, not charged. Sixth suspect arrested: dual British-Iranian national, charged with preparing terrorist acts.
- Vans
- No improvised explosive devices found. A quantity of petrol recovered. Do not treat petrol as a bomb.
- Scene
- Gloucestershire Police removed the cordon and reopened the scene on Wednesday. Foreign state involvement under investigation.
What happened
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading. Five men were arrested on Sunday in Whelford beside RAF Fairford after 999 calls about three suspicious vans. The BBC later reported that one of the five men bailed had himself made the first 999 call at about 00:45 BST; a farmer’s call followed at about 01:36. Why he called, and what he said, have not been released.
On Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said military and forensic examination found no improvised explosive devices in the vans, but a quantity of petrol was recovered. London property searches concluded. The five were released on police bail Monday and remain under strict conditions, not charged.
On Wednesday, Gloucestershire Police removed the cordon and reopened the scene. That evening, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC there are “strong indications that Iran played a part.” No evidence was published. The Iranian Embassy still “categorically rejects” any link.
On Thursday, counter-terror police arrested a sixth suspect, a dual British-Iranian national, on charges of preparing terrorist acts. Authorities are investigating potential foreign state involvement.
Thursday 1 October 2026
Times in BST unless stated. Newest first.
ThursdayBreaking
Sixth suspect arrested and charged
UK counter-terror police have arrested a sixth suspect linked to the RAF Fairford plot, a dual British-Iranian national.
He faces charges of preparing terrorist acts. Authorities are investigating potential foreign state involvement.
Note for readers. The five men arrested on Sunday remain on police bail and have not been charged.
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Times in BST unless stated. Newest first.
~17:00 BST
Burnham: Iran “played a part”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC:
“There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford… We will say more in due course but we can confirm… that we believe Iran to have played a part.”
Note for readers. No evidence was published. Burnham said UK security chiefs are working closely with US counterparts. It remains a live police investigation. Iran’s London embassy still “categorically rejects” any link as “unfounded and malicious.”
Wednesday morning
BBC: one of the five made the first 999 call
The BBC understands that one of the five men later arrested and bailed made the first call, at about 00:45 BST on Sunday, about three suspicious vehicles heading towards the base.
The suspect called police almost an hour before a farmer also dialled 999 after seeing men in balaclavas.
The farmer’s call was the second, at about 01:36.
Gloucestershire Police removed the cordon and reopened the scene on Wednesday. Counter Terrorism Policing had said on Tuesday evening that it expected scenes to be closed by Wednesday.
Note for readers. Why he called, and what he said, have not been released.
Tuesday 29 September 2026
Times in BST unless stated. Newest first.
18:00 BSTOfficial
No IEDs; petrol recovered
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing:
- No improvised explosive devices were found in the three vans after military and forensic examination.
- A quantity of petrol was recovered.
- London properties were searched; those searches have concluded.
- Scenes are being reduced; closure was expected by Wednesday.
- The five remain on bail with strict conditions and are still under investigation.
“The bail decision was grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers.”
“Public safety was at the forefront.”
Note for readers. This confirms earlier social claims that the vans did not hold viable explosives. Do not upgrade “petrol” into a bomb.
Monday night / Tuesday
US reaction and BBC analysis
After the bail decision, President Donald Trump said he was “surprised that they released them… I wouldn’t have done that.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on Fox News on Monday, said the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor,” without detail.
The BBC’s Daniel Sandford reported on Tuesday that the men were held under PACE, not under Terrorism Act detention, so police could not use the 14-day clock. Both counter-terror and military sources told him the case is still early and detectives are looking for a possible “controlling hand” behind the men and the petrol.
Monday 28 September 2026
Times in BST unless stated. Newest first.
~19:21 BST
Streeting after COBRA
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting spoke after the COBRA meeting.
- He called the policing response “exemplary.”
- The five are under stringent bail conditions.
- The investigation remains live and is “kept constantly under review.”
“Police and security services have done everything that they could and should have been doing rapidly to help contain this situation.”
Note for readers. No published full COBRA minute. No new attribution beyond Streeting’s remarks.
~18:48–19:00 BST
Evacuees can go home
Gloucestershire Police said residents from the about 85 evacuated households may return.
A cordon remains around the three vans. This is not a full stand-down.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had said earlier that the scene was safe enough for return; her line now matches the police announcement.
~15:45 BSTBreaking
Five released on bail
LBC reported that all five men arrested near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, spoke outside New Scotland Yard.
“I can confirm that following extensive interviews and inquiries the five men who were arrested are being released on police bail this afternoon.”
“To be very clear, this does not mean that the investigation is over.”
“They are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others.”
“They absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of inquiry.”
Note for readers. Not charged. Not cleared. Bail with tight conditions. The inquiry continues.
~15:27 BST
Burnham to chair COBRA
Speaking from the Labour conference in Liverpool, on LBC with Shelagh Fogarty, Prime Minister Andy Burnham thanked Gloucestershire Police, the security services, the emergency services, and the public who alerted them.
“What I can say is that I will chair a meeting of Cobra later this afternoon just to make sure we have the full picture, the full situation very clearly in our sights and so maybe we’ll say more about that later today.”
Note for readers. Burnham said it is a live investigation and there is “only so much I can say.” He said defence remains a priority and he will “top up” funding. GB News said this would be his second emergency COBRA meeting since becoming PM.
Afternoon BST
999 caller doubles down on LBC
The farmer who made the 999 call told LBC she believes she saw eight to ten people, not five, many with their faces covered. She said the vans blocked the road and her farm entrance about 100 metres from the base fence, parked in a “strange formation.”
She also said she had noticed possible plain-clothes activity for days, and knew the base was on high alert and that civilian staff had been evacuated.
Note for readers. These are the witness’s claims. Police have confirmed five arrests, and have not confirmed any prior surveillance.
~12:36 BSTOfficial
Counter Terrorism Policing update
The investigation is continuing and the scene was examined overnight. CTP says there are “multiple new lines of enquiry.” Significant resources, including military assets, remain on site. The cordon remains and will be reviewed later today. The public is asked for patience.
The five men arrested on Sunday in Whelford have still not been named. CTP now describes them as:
- Male, 24, from Camden, UK national
- Male, 24, from Westminster, UK national
- Male, 25, from Westminster, UK national
- Male, 23, from Westminster, UK national
- Male, 24, from Willesden, UK national
“Hugely complex and large-scale operation.”
Note for readers. All five are London residents in their 20s, held under PACE with a custody extension secured until later Monday. CTP says the operation involves local and national policing, the MoD and local agencies, and that the disruption is “in the interest of national security” and residents’ safety. No charges yet. Van contents not confirmed. No motive stated.
MondayUnconfirmed
CNN at the scene: two possible controlled detonations
CNN reported armed police still on the approaches to Fairford on Monday. The team later heard what sounded like two controlled detonations from the direction of the village.
Note for readers. Police have not confirmed these were explosive ordnance disposal detonations.
Monday
Iranian Embassy rejects involvement
The Iranian Embassy in London said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” speculation of Iranian involvement.
Note for readers. An unofficial Reuters source said on Sunday that an Iranian-linked motive is “most likely.” Police have not confirmed either position.
Monday
Prime Minister Andy Burnham
The Prime Minister called the incident “deeply concerning” and said the government will take “every step necessary” to protect the public.
Sunday 27 September: afternoon and evening
Times in BST. Newest first.
16:18 BSTBreaking
Trump comments
US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in Chicago, called the arrests “fantastic.”
“We had them under investigation.”
“They were looking to do big damage to our fort.”
“Working with the British worked out great.”
“It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know.”
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
Note for readers. This clashes with UK reporting. Police and PA have said the operation was not intelligence-led and began from a public 999 call at 00:45. UK officials have not confirmed prior joint surveillance. This is a presidential claim, not a police or charging fact.
~16:14 BST
Witness: the farmer’s 999 call
A local farmer, driving home from a party, says she found three white vans blocking a lane. She turned around, saw masked men in balaclavas run into the trees towards the base, then called 999 and warned a village WhatsApp group.
- One van was marked FUEL 2YOU; she said the number looked fake.
- She described the men as “Middle Eastern-looking young guys.”
“You don’t see masked men running around at half one in the morning in the countryside near a secure air base and not have concerns.”
Note for readers. Another resident says the airbase police line rang out, so 999 was dialled. The ethnicity is the witness’s description only, not a police identification.
Afternoon BST
BBC Verify geolocates the arrest photo
BBC Verify geolocated an image of the detained men. The image first circulated on a local WhatsApp group. The BBC says the location check supports its authenticity.
- About 350 metres from Crash Gate 6A.
- About 200 metres by road from the three vans.
- The men appear shirtless; officers are seen checking footwear.
The arrest photo geolocated by BBC Verify, first shared on a village WhatsApp group. Faces pixelated. · Supplied via the Guardian Afternoon–evening BSTUnconfirmed
Motive: unofficial source
A Reuters source “familiar with the investigation” said an Iranian-linked motive is considered most likely. Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot are also being examined.
Note for readers. This is not a police statement and should not be treated as confirmed.
15:26–16:26 BST
Evacuees face a night away
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson said residents may stay out overnight and called the incident “destabilising.”
Cirencester Leisure Centre is being used as a rest centre. A resident, Jason, said 40 to 50 people were taken there at first; many later went to friends or family. Pets have been an issue: one dog was left behind, and another household took an 11-week-old puppy.
The cordon was still in place into the evening. No return-home time has been given.
Armed officers and marked cars held the roads around the village and the base perimeter all day. · BBC 15:09 BSTAnalysis
Iran speculation
BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale said it is unknown who is behind the incident. Some may suspect Iranian involvement because Fairford has been used for US strikes on Iran, and the IRGC called the base a “legitimate target” in July.
Note for readers. Analysis only. Iranian involvement is unconfirmed.
15:01 BST
Overnight warning
Councillor Hodgkinson told PA that evacuees may have to stay away while the scene is made safe.
~14:15–14:26 BST
CT Policing DAC Vicki Evans
The investigation is at an early stage. Five men are in custody, now further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. A 400-metre cordon is in place. About 85 households were evacuated while explosive ordnance disposal works.
~13:58–14:10 BST
Gloucestershire ACC Richard Ocone
Police were called at about 00:45 BST about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers arrested five men in Whelford. Work to establish the full nature of the incident is ongoing. The public has been asked not to speculate.
Emergency vehicles staged at Fairford Youth Football Club while matches were postponed. · Reuters
Sunday morning, 27 September: the scene
Helicopter and ground pictures showed a wheeled explosive-ordnance-disposal robot moving between the three vans, two rear doors open, and large dark objects on the ground. Press described barrels and black items. Police have not officially confirmed what was inside.
Video circulated of several men arrested at gunpoint, appearing shirtless with their hands behind their backs. Press speculated that this was a suicide-vest precaution. Police have not confirmed that.
Helicopters were overheard around 02:00. Bomb-squad vehicles were reported about an hour later. Residents were woken by officers at the door. One, “Jo,” was told to leave immediately around 07:00 and left her dog behind. Julian Tudsbery said three unusual vans arrived in the village and a neighbour reported them at once. A woman described as the original caller said the men “did not appear to be locals.”
The operation was not described as intelligence-led in advance. It started from a public 999 call. Tabloid reports that “viable incendiary devices and chemicals” were found go beyond official statements. Official language remains suspicion under the Explosives Act, and vehicles under explosive-ordnance-disposal examination. Roadblocks stayed up through the morning.
Overnight timeline, 26–27 September
Times in BST. Newest first.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Morning–afternoon | Counter Terrorism Policing takes the lead. Further Terrorism Act arrests. Official statements. The Prime Minister is briefed. |
| Morning | EOD robot on the three vans. About 85 homes cleared. Cordon in place. Main gate of the base blocked. |
| ~03:00 | Bomb-squad vehicles reported arriving. |
| ~02:00 | Helicopters overhead. |
| Early hours | Armed response in Whelford. Five men arrested. Major incident declared. Evacuations start. |
| ~00:45 Sun 27 Sep | Police called about three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford. |
Saturday 26 September — the base was already on high alert
The day before the vans, spotters reported Fairford at a raised US force-protection condition: the Giant Voice tannoy, aircraft dispersed, crash gates blocked, and civilians told to stay off the perimeter.
Multiple unofficial accounts said FPCON Delta, the highest level, meaning an attack is imminent or has occurred nearby. The USAF did not confirm the exact level. RAF Lakenheath later confirmed FPCON Charlie.
Why this base
RAF Fairford is UK-owned and US-operated, under the 501st Combat Support Wing. It is the main European forward operating location for US heavy bombers.
In 2026 it has hosted B-1B Lancers — and earlier B-52s — used in the US–Israel war with Iran that began on 28 February 2026. The UK authorised limited “defensive” use against Iranian missile sites attacking shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Around a dozen B-1Bs were still reported there in late September. The Royal International Air Tattoo was cancelled in July because of the deployment.
Questions
- What happened at RAF Fairford on 27 September 2026?
- Police were called at about 00:45 BST about three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers arrested five men in Whelford. A 400-metre cordon was placed around three white vans, about 85 households were evacuated, and Army explosive ordnance disposal examined the vehicles with a robot.
- Who is leading the Fairford investigation?
- Counter Terrorism Policing is leading, with local and national policing, the MoD and local agencies involved. The five men were first arrested on suspicion of Explosives Act offences, then further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They were held under PACE before being released on police bail on Monday afternoon.
- Who are the five men arrested near RAF Fairford?
- They have not been named. Counter Terrorism Policing says they are men aged 23 to 25, all UK nationals living in London: one from Camden, three from Westminster, and one from Willesden.
- Have any of the Fairford suspects been charged?
- The five men arrested on Sunday have not been charged. They were released on police bail on Monday with stringent conditions and remain under investigation. On Thursday 1 October, counter-terror police arrested a sixth suspect, a dual British-Iranian national, on charges of preparing terrorist acts.
- What was in the three vans?
- Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said on Tuesday 29 September that no improvised explosive devices were found after military and forensic examination, but a quantity of petrol was recovered. Police have not described the petrol as a bomb.
- Did Iran play a part in the Fairford plot?
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday 30 September that there are “strong indications that Iran played a part,” but no evidence was published and it remains a live police investigation. The Iranian Embassy in London “categorically rejects” any link. Rubio and Burnham’s remarks are political; police have not charged Iran or published a state attribution.
- Who made the first 999 call?
- The BBC reported on Wednesday that one of the five men later arrested and bailed made the first 999 call at about 00:45 BST on Sunday. A farmer’s call followed at about 01:36. Why the first caller contacted police, and what he said, have not been released.
- What did Donald Trump say about the Fairford arrests?
- Speaking in Chicago on Sunday, Trump called the arrests “fantastic” and said the men had been “under view for a long time.” After bail on Monday he said he was surprised they were released. UK police and PA initially said the operation was not intelligence-led; the BBC later reported one of the five bailed men made the first 999 call. UK officials have not confirmed prior joint US surveillance.
- Has a target or motive been confirmed?
- No. Police have not confirmed a target or a motive. Burnham’s Iran claim and Rubio’s “foreign actor” line are not police charging facts. A Reuters source said an Iranian-linked motive is considered most likely, with Russian sabotage and an Islamist plot also examined.
- Why is RAF Fairford a sensitive site?
- Fairford is the main European forward operating location for US heavy bombers. In 2026 it hosted B-1B Lancers used in the US–Israel war with Iran. The day before the arrests, spotters reported the base already at a raised US force-protection condition.
Not confirmed
- The five bailed men have not been named. The sixth suspect has not been named in public reporting reviewed here.
- Burnham’s Iran claim has no published evidence. The Iranian Embassy rejects it.
- Why the first 999 caller contacted police, and what he said, have not been released.
- The five Sunday arrests are not charged. Bail conditions have not been detailed.
- Petrol was recovered; police have not called it a bomb or IED.
- Police have not confirmed a target or a motive as a charging fact.
- UK officials have not confirmed Trump’s surveillance claim, or the farmer’s account of eight to ten people.
- Police have not confirmed that the two blasts CNN heard on Monday were controlled detonations.
- The witness’s description of the men’s ethnicity is not a police identification.
- Police have not confirmed press speculation about suicide-vest precautions.
- The USAF has not confirmed the exact force-protection level at Fairford.