Major Incident Declared Near RAF Fairford After Explosives Arrests

A major incident has been declared in Whelford, a village near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, police said. A number of properties were evacuated and residents were taken to a leisure centre while investigations continued. Gloucestershire Police said a cordon was in place and that officers believed the incident was contained.

An Army explosive ordnance disposal team was examining a number of vehicles, according to police. A large emergency-services presence was reported in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team. Police said the arrests were made early on Sunday morning.

The force said it was working with partner agencies and had activated established emergency plans. RAF Fairford hosts the United States Air Force and has recently been used to deploy American bombers since the conflict in Iran began on 28 February. The source material says the base was also used after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for defensive US action against Iranian missile sites from British bases.

Four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford in March, and the United States began using British bases for what were described as specific defensive operations. The police statement did not provide details of the suspected offences beyond the Explosives Act allegations. It also did not identify the men arrested or say whether any explosives had been found.

Investigations and the vehicle examination were continuing.