A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with armed police manning a cordon near the village of Whelford and several men arrested on suspicion of explosives offences.
Villagers have been evacuated from their homes, and the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining a number of vehicles, police said on Sunday.
Arrests and evacuations
A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team. Gloucestershire Police said: “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.
“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.”
Police reassure residents
The force added: “The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre. A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained. We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.
RAF Fairford’s recent operations
In March this year, after then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases, four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford and the US started using British bases for “specific defensive operations”.
The airbase also hosts the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), though this year’s event in May was cancelled because of the military operations.
