A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with residents evacuated and several men arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
Gloucestershire Police said the incident is centred on Whelford, close to the US airbase, where the Army’s specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been deployed.
Bomb disposal specialists are examining a number of vehicles at the scene.
Several men arrested
Police confirmed that several men have been taken into custody on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
No further details about the suspects or the specific alleged offences have yet been released.
The arrests are on suspicion of offences and no charges have been announced at this stage.
Homes evacuated in Whelford
A number of properties in Whelford have been evacuated as emergency services deal with the incident.
Residents affected by the evacuation are being directed to a nearby leisure centre.
The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team remains at the scene examining several vehicles.
Major incident close to RAF Fairford
The incident is taking place near RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire airbase used by the United States Air Force.
Police have not at this stage said what prompted the operation or whether the incident has any connection to the airbase itself.
There has also been no confirmation of what, if anything, has been discovered inside the vehicles being examined.
The major incident remains ongoing on Sunday morning, 27 September, and further information is expected from Gloucestershire Police.
Security measures at the air base have been significantly increased in recent days
The village of Whelford is notable for its proximity to RAF Fairford, which hosts a large number of US Air Force personnel and operations.
Security measures at the air base have been significantly increased in recent days, with roadblocks and armed police preventing access and emergency vehicles parked nearby.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force told UKNIP they were aware of the current reporting but would not discuss specific force protection measures.
“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.
The UK said in July its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford.
Fairford, in Gloucestershire, has been used to launch operations against Iran during the Middle East conflict.
This is a developing incident and this article will be updated as further confirmed information becomes available.
