UK Police Declare Major Incident Near RAF Base After Arrests on Suspect Explosives Charges

By Nathan Rennolds, Euronews

Published on 27/09/2026 – 10:19 GMT+2

British authorities declared a major incident near Royal Air Force Station Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday following the arrest of several men on suspicion of explosives-related offenses. Local residents were ordered to evacuate their homes as a precaution.

“A number of properties are currently under evacuation in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” said Gloucestershire Police in an official statement. An army specialist explosive ordnance disposal team has been deployed to assess and secure multiple vehicles connected to the case.

Emergency responders have established a perimeter around the affected zone, though police emphasized that the situation remains contained. “We’d like to reassure the public that this incident is currently under control. We are working closely with our partners and implementing the established emergency response protocols,” the force noted.

The incident occurred near RAF Fairford, a strategic military airbase that accommodates U.S. Air Force operations. The facility serves as headquarters for the 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron, and functions as a key forward operating base for U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command’s bomber fleet in Europe.

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