Fairford five released on bail as counter-terrorism police pursue ‘multiple lines of inquiry’
Five British men arrested near RAF Fairford over suspected explosives and terrorism offences have been freed on bail, as the US Secretary of State said the incident involved ‘the hands of a foreign actor’.
The five men arrested in the early hours of Sunday near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences have been released on police bail, the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing announced on Monday afternoon.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the men, who had been travelling in three vehicles, were freed subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others. “To be very clear, this does not mean the investigation is over,” he said. “They absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of enquiry.”
Armed officers from Gloucestershire Police made the arrests in the Whelford area, about a mile from the base, after a call at 12.45am on Sunday reporting three suspicious vehicles apparently heading towards the airfield. The men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
To be very clear, this does not mean the investigation is over. They absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of enquiry.Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, 28 September 2026
Police established a 400-metre cordon around the vehicles, which were examined by British Army explosive ordnance disposal personnel with forensic experts. About 85 households were evacuated from properties near where the vehicles were found, and residents were told to expect an emergency services presence in the area for some time.
All five suspects are British nationals from London, in their early 20s. Counter Terrorism Policing said multiple lines of inquiry had emerged after investigators worked at the scene overnight, and officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested, their knowledge, and any motivation behind the incident.
The case has taken on an international dimension. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, told the Fox News programme Hannity late on Monday that the incident involved “the hands of a foreign actor”, without giving evidence or specific details. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that the incident “might be” connected to Iran, and said he would not have released the suspects on bail: “I wouldn’t have done that.” Iran has categorically denied any involvement.
RAF Fairford hosts US Air Force units including heavy bombers, and Britain has authorised the US to use bombers based there for strikes on Iranian missile sites. Security at the base had been increased in recent weeks, with heavy vehicles and concrete blocks positioned across some airfield gates.
Counter Terrorism Policing said a cordon remained in place on Monday while investigators continued their work, and thanked residents for their patience after what it called a hugely disruptive incident.
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