Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that it was leading the investigation into the overnight incident near RAF Fairford.

British counter-terrorism police launched an investigation on Sunday after five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a military base used by the US Air Force in southwest England.

The men were detained in the early hours of Sunday after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles allegedly travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, the Metropolitan Police said.

The suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Army bomb disposal experts were later called to examine three vans stopped on a rural road near the airbase.

Police also advised around 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford to evacuate as a precaution.

Counter-Terrorism Police Lead Investigation

Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that it was leading the investigation into the overnight incident near RAF Fairford.

Police said the situation was believed to have been contained and established a 400-metre cordon around the area. Armed officers were deployed near the entrance to the base.

Aerial footage from the scene showed a bomb disposal robot examining the vehicles, including two vans with their rear doors open.

Gloucestershire Police had earlier declared a major incident and confirmed that several men had been arrested in connection with suspected explosives offences.

Government officials said they were being kept informed about the developing situation.

A government spokesperson said emergency services had acted quickly to detain the suspects and take measures to protect local residents, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation remained ongoing.

Defence Minister Wes Streeting also thanked emergency and specialist teams involved in the response and said the situation was being dealt with.

Villagers Evacuated After Police Warning

Residents from the surrounding area were moved to a nearby leisure centre following the police operation.

Local resident Julian Tudsbery said he was woken at around 7am and instructed to leave his home after police officers arrived at his door.

He told the BBC that another resident had alerted authorities after noticing the suspicious vehicles during the night.

According to Tudsbery, the resident initially tried contacting airbase police but received no answer before calling emergency services.

US Air Force Says Personnel Not Involved

RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force and serves as the UK base for the 501st Combat Support Wing, an administrative support unit.

The US Air Force said none of its personnel had been involved in the incident.

The 501st Combat Support Wing said it appreciated the swift response from local law enforcement and remained in coordination with British authorities to support the safety and security of military personnel and surrounding communities.

The area’s MP, Roz Savage, described the situation as worrying and said she had contacted police for further information. She added that she had been told the incident was believed to be contained.

Incident Comes Amid Security Concerns

The arrests come amid heightened concerns in Britain over alleged activities linked to hostile foreign states.

British officials have previously accused countries including Iran and Russia of using proxies to conduct criminal activities on UK territory. Both countries have rejected various allegations of hostile activity made by Western governments.

British military sites have also reportedly faced an increasing number of drone incidents over the past year. Authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the reported activity.

The security concerns have intensified amid wider warnings from European governments about suspected foreign interference and hybrid operations.

RAF Fairford has previously attracted attention because of its role in supporting US military operations. In March, then prime minister Keir Starmer granted permission for defensive US action against Iranian missile sites from two UK bases, including Fairford.

The latest incident remains under investigation, with counter-terrorism officers examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the three vehicles.