Evening update — 27 September 2026. Britain's Counter Terrorism Policing said in an official statement that the five men previously arrested in Whelford under the Explosives Act had also been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The statement cited section 5 of the Terrorism Act. All five remain in custody; authorities have not announced charges.
Police received a report at about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday concerning three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded in the Whelford area. A 400-metre cordon has been placed around the vehicles while an Army explosive-ordnance-disposal unit examines them.
As a precaution, residents of about 85 households were evacuated. A nearby leisure centre was opened for people unable to stay with friends or relatives. Counterterrorism police said the investigation was at an early stage and officers were still working to establish the circumstances of the incident.
An afternoon statement from Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed the explosives-related suspicion, cordon and evacuations. Euronews also reported the further arrests on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
The statements did not identify the men's nationalities, disclose the outcome of the vehicle examinations or confirm that explosives had been found. Arrest on suspicion is not the same as being charged or found guilty; the investigation is continuing.
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Budapest Global Review: Five men also arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act in RAF Fairford case. Budapest Global Review, 27 September 2026. https://globalreview.hu/en/cikk/fairford-whelford-kiurites-orizetbe-vetelek-2026-szeptember-27