Residents of the tranquil Gloucestershire village of Whelford have experienced a surreal weekend following the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford in connection with a suspected terror incident.
The events began in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September, when Gloucestershire Police received reports at around 12:45am of three “suspicious” vans approaching RAF Fairford. Subsequently, five men, aged between 23 and 25 and all UK nationals, were arrested in the Whelford area on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
Police cordoned off Whelford, evacuating 85 homes in the early hours of Sunday morning. Residents were not permitted to return until Monday evening. The police cordon remains around the three suspicious vehicles, while the arrested men have been released on bail.
READ MORE: RAF Fairford: Counter-Terrorism Police Report Findings from Vans Incident
READ MORE: Forest Green Rovers Held to Draw in Manager Robbie Savage’s Absence
By Monday, the usually peaceful area, home to fewer than 4,500 people, had been taken over by an international media presence. Journalists from around the UK and as far afield as New York and Dubai established a presence along rural roads near the perimeter of RAF Fairford, where armed police maintained roadblocks on Horcott Road.
Fairford Youth Football Club became the hub for emergency services, hosting numerous police incident response vehicles, fire engines from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue, and ambulances. A small white tent was also set up on the football pitch adjacent to a police van.
In Fairford town centre, approximately one mile from the police roadblock, local businesses remained open but the streets were largely populated by journalists and cameramen covering the unfolding story.
Local residents shared their experiences amid the heightened security. Becky, who lives opposite the football club, described the situation as “a bit surreal” and “close to home,” adding that information was scarce. She reported that armed police had been stopping drivers near the base since Friday, 25 September.
She recalled, “On Friday night, my stepson and his girlfriend were stopped by armed police around 9 or 10pm and had to take an alternative route. It felt strange – it’s unclear what police knew at that time.”
TJ and Libby, another local couple, recounted their encounter with armed police on Saturday night. “They pointed guns at us and asked us to stop. The road was closed at the entrance, and we had to take a long detour. It was frightening to have guns pointed at you, but we understand the need for caution.”
Some residents expressed reassurances about their safety. Michael, living near the football club, commented, “We are probably the safest place in Britain right now. There’s no cause for worry; the authorities have things under control.” He noted increased security measures, including police presence from the previous week and physical barricades at the base’s gates.
Mark Richings, a local butcher, described how life continued largely as normal. He acknowledged a slight quietness but said the community was coping well. Police community support officers had visited the shop offering assistance, he added.
Father Michael Robertson of St Thomas’s Catholic Church, situated close to RAF Fairford, spoke of the close relationship between the church and the base. Many American personnel stationed there attend Mass and are involved in the parish. He noted the disruption caused by the police operation but expressed general contentment with the situation.
A rest centre was established in Cirencester to support evacuees from Whelford, initially at the leisure centre before moving to Cotswold District Council offices. By Monday afternoon, the centre at the council offices appeared quiet.
Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth of Gloucestershire Police described the past few days as “unprecedented,” with the village thrust into the global spotlight. She acknowledged the anxiety and uncertainty felt by residents and assured the community that efforts were underway to restore normality as swiftly as possible. She also expressed gratitude for residents’ patience and cooperation during the ongoing investigation.