A local farmer’s sharp eyes and a quick 999 call helped stop a suspected Iranian-linked bomb plot after three white vans with fake company logos and an unusual phone number were found near a key US air base in Britain.
The strange vans that raised alarm
Early on Sunday 27 September 2026, a farmer from the quiet village of Whelford was driving home from a party when she saw three white vans blocking a country road close to RAF Fairford. One van had “Fuel 2You” written in red lettering and displayed the mobile number 0742 418 2599.
The spacing of the number follows a style more common in Iran than in the UK. The real Fuel2U company later confirmed the vans had no link to them. Red logos also match Iranian petrol pump colors while British ones are usually green.
Masked men scatter as farmer calls police
As the farmer turned her car around, she saw a group of hooded and balaclava-wearing men of Middle Eastern appearance run into nearby fields and towards the base.
She immediately called 999 at about 12.45am and warned neighbours on WhatsApp. Armed police arrived within minutes.
Five men arrested and explosives found
Five British men in their early 20s from London were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences. Officers made them remove their upper clothing over fears they might be wearing suicide vests.
Bomb disposal robots examined the vans and found explosives and chemicals. Around 85 homes were evacuated and a major incident was declared. SAS troops from Hereford were also sent to the scene.
Investigation continues
US President Donald Trump said the suspects “were looking to do big damage” to the base used by American bombers against Iran.
