Suspect in alleged plot against British base called police before arrest, UK media report

Five men were arrested on Sunday, September 27, 2026, near RAF Fairford, a British military base in Gloucestershire used by the U.S. Air Force, on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing a terrorist act. A notable development in the case is the report that one of the suspects made a 999 emergency call to the police himself shortly before the arrests took place. This call reportedly occurred almost an hour before a local farmer also alerted authorities to suspicious vehicles near the base, with police already on the scene when the farmer's call came in.

Authorities recovered a quantity of petrol from three vans linked to the men, all British nationals in their 20s from London, but confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found. The five suspects were subsequently released on bail on Monday, September 28, 2026, a decision that drew surprise from some, including U.S. President Donald Trump. The ongoing investigation is exploring various possibilities, including whether the suspect who called police developed cold feet or if the call was part of a broader plan.

Investigators are also examining potential connections to Iran, though Iran has denied any involvement. The RAF Fairford base has been utilized by U.S. B-1 bombers for missions, including those related to Iran.