LONDON: British police have declared a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
A number of properties in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated following the arrests, while the British Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine several vehicles.
Police established a cordon around the area and said they believed the situation was contained.
Armed police were also seen blocking access to the main gate of RAF Fairford, while around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were reported in the surrounding area.
RAF Fairford hosts personnel from the United States Air Force and has been used by US forces for military operations involving Iran.
The British government previously authorised US use of the base for strikes against Iranian missile sites.
The US Air Force said its personnel and other US units in Britain remained vigilant but declined to discuss specific force-protection measures for security reasons.
Authorities have not confirmed that the arrests are linked to RAF Fairford or to any foreign government. The investigation remains ongoing.