Major Incident Near RAF Fairford: Explosives Arrests Trigger Evacuations

Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford, prompting a major incident declaration and evacuations in Whelford, Gloucestershire, on Sunday, September 27.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said an Army explosive ordnance disposal team is examining several vehicles. Residents from affected properties are being taken to a nearby leisure centre.

A police cordon remains in place. Officers said they believe the incident is contained.

Army Bomb Disposal Team Examines Vehicles

The police statement provides new details about the arrests and confirms the deployment of specialist Army personnel.

Wiltshire 999s reported that officers were going door-to-door around Horcott Road and nearby streets, with roads closed and armed officers stationed near the airbase perimeter.

Ambulances, specialist hazardous-area response teams and fire crews were also reported nearby.

Police have not specified the exact number of men arrested or announced the results of the vehicle examinations.

RAF Fairford FPCON Delta Reports Remain Unconfirmed

Separate reports have claimed that RAF Fairford was placed under Force Protection Condition Delta, the highest level in the U.S. military’s force-protection system.

However, the U.S. Air Force has not publicly confirmed that status. A spokesperson told the UK Defence Journal that the service was aware of the reporting but would not discuss specific protective measures for operational security reasons.

Authorities have not publicly established a connection between the arrests and RAF Fairford itself. The confirmed police operation concerns suspected explosives offences, vehicle examinations and evacuations in the surrounding area.