A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Residents in the Whelford area are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre while the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examines a number of vehicles.
Police say incident is contained
Gloucestershire Police have sought to reassure residents amid the major emergency response. The force said: “A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.” Officers added that they were working closely with partner agencies and enacting “well-rehearsed plans”.
Security increased at US air base
Security measures around RAF Fairford have been “significantly increased” in recent days, according to a Reuters witness. Roadblocks and armed police were reported to be preventing access to the US air base on Sunday, while emergency vehicles were also seen nearby. A US Air Force spokesperson said they were aware of the reporting but would not discuss specific force-protection measures.
Army bomb disposal experts at scene
The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining a number of vehicles as part of the ongoing operation. Police have not said whether any explosives have been found. Armed police are manning a cordon near the village of Whelford, while emergency vehicles have gathered in the area.
RAF Fairford is a military airbase in Gloucestershire, southwest England, close to the town of Fairford and the village of Whelford. The base is used by the United States Air Force, with heightened security and a major emergency response currently reported in the surrounding area.
