Major incident declared near RAF Fairford after arrests under explosives law

A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, according to local police. Properties in the Whelford area were evacuated as security measures were increased around the airbase. Evacuated residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre, while the army inspected a number of vehicles.

Gloucestershire Police said the operation followed the arrests and that officers were working with partner agencies under established emergency plans. A police spokesperson said the situation was contained and that local people did not need to be alarmed. Armed officers were seen blocking access to the base’s main gate.

Police cars, ambulances and fire engines were also present in Fairford, the village near the installation. RAF Fairford is used by US forces. A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force-protection measures but said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based wings remained vigilant.

The spokesperson said US authorities would take appropriate action to protect service members, civilians, contractors and their families. The force was continually assessing factors that could determine whether security measures should be introduced or changed, the spokesperson added. The airbase has been the focus of protests in recent months over the British government’s decision to allow the US to use it for strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Britain in July not to permit US bombers to fly from the base. The supplied material did not state the number of people arrested, the nature of the suspected explosives offences, whether explosives had been found or whether anyone had been charged. Police said their investigation was continuing.