Five men suspected of plotting an attack near RAF Fairford were stopped after a farmer alerted police to three vans close to the Gloucestershire base, which has been used by American forces to launch air strikes against Iran.
The vehicles, reportedly packed with explosives, were intercepted about 350 yards from the base. A major incident was declared and more than 80 households were evacuated while specialist teams examined the vans.
One of the vehicles carried the words ‘Fuel 2You’ in red lettering, alongside a telephone number which appears to be out of service. The branding has since prompted questions about whether the vans were being used as part of a suspected Iranian plot.
Observers noted that the name appeared similar to Fuel2U, a genuine fuel-delivery company based in Beaconsfield, although the real business uses green and black branding. Fuel2U has firmly denied any connection with the incident.
The number displayed on the van was written as 0742 418 2599. Some commentators pointed to the spacing, which they said resembled a format predominantly used in Iran, while the number itself does not conform to the usual UK arrangements and is not in service.
Fuel2U said it was “extremely concerned” that its name had been used without permission and warned members of the public not to threaten its employees.
A spokesman said: “We want to make it absolutely clear that neither the vehicle nor any of the individuals involved has any connection whatsoever with Fuel2U, its directors, employees or current business operations.
“We are extremely concerned that our company’s name have been used without our knowledge or permission. We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and will assist them with any enquiries.”
The company added: “Fuel2U strongly condemns any unlawful or dangerous activity. We thank the police, emergency services and specialist teams for their continuing work to protect the public and investigate this matter.”
The farmer, who has not been identified, said she saw the vans blocking the road as she drove home before noticing a large group of men wearing hoods and balaclavas.
She said the vehicles immediately appeared suspicious because the lettering and telephone details did not look genuine. Police arrived about 15 minutes after she dialled 999.
“They would have seen the bright headlights,” she said. “They probably thought we were the police (and) panicked.”
She added: “It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning.”
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he was “really grateful” to the resident, but cautioned that she had only seen part of what happened.
“She does only have a partial picture – and that’s as far as I wish to go this morning,” he said.
US President Donald Trump said the alleged plotters were “looking to do big damage” to RAF Fairford. He added: “It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job.”
