Five men arrested near RAF Fairford in south-west England are being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, as Army bomb disposal experts examine vehicles during a major incident.
Gloucestershire Police said properties in the nearby Whelford area were being evacuated after the arrests, which were made over suspected offences under the Explosives Act.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” the force said. “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 said the incident was believed to be contained. About 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford.
An eyewitness said armed officers had blocked access to the main gate of the air base, with equipment positioned in front of access points. Residents from a nearby village were taken to a leisure centre.
RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force. A spokesperson for the service declined to discuss specific force protection measures but said personnel remained vigilant.
“The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.
“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”
The British Government authorised the US to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned in July that any base used in such strikes would be considered a legitimate target.
Britain said in July that its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after the warning. Ministers have also briefed critical infrastructure providers about threats from Russia, amid concerns over possible sabotage operations and cyber attacks. Russia denies mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations.
