Farmer says 999 call foiled RAF Fairford terror plot

September 28, 2026 at 01:42 PM2 min

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A farmer in Whelford, Gloucestershire, told the BBC her 999 call foiled a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford after she spotted three vans with hooded men early Sunday. Five men from London were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting thanked her but said she had only a partial picture.

Key Facts

Five men, all UK nationals from London in their early to mid 20s, were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
The farmer called 999 at 01:36 BST on Sunday after seeing three vans parked in a 'weird formation' near RAF Fairford.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC Breakfast he was grateful to the local resident but that she had only 'a partial picture'.
The farmer said her neighbour had phoned her 'in tears' after being stopped by armed personnel at about 20:00 BST on Saturday.

The Farmer's Account

The farmer from Whelford, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she was coming home from a party when she found the road and her driveway blocked by three white vans. She described the vans as having 'strange signage' and said a large group of hooded and masked men outside started to panic when they saw her. She told BBC News she called police just after 01:30 BST on Sunday and then called 999 at 01:36, saying that within 10 minutes the village was full of armed police. The farmer said she was aware RAF Fairford was operating at a high security level and immediately called the Ministry of Defence police, but did not receive an answer.

Official Response

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC Breakfast he was grateful to the local resident but that she had only 'a partial picture'. Streeting said he would not go beyond that in terms of commenting on operational security matters. The farmer said she remained 'staggered by the whole story' and believed her 999 call foiled whatever plans the men had.