Several arrested after major incident declared at US airbase in Gloucestershire

Several men have been arrested and villagers evacuated from their homes after a major incident was declared near an RAF airbase used by the US Air Force. The men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act following the incident close to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, police said. Residents in the village of Whelford have been evacuated from their homes and taken to a nearby leisure centre, with armed police manning a cordon next to the RAF site. A large emergency services presence was seen in the area – including a Hazardous Area Response Team. “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” Gloucestershire Police said in a statement. “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.” The force said it wanted to “reassure people that we believe this incident is contained”, though a cordon is still in place at the site. “We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.” Security measures at the airbase – which is used by the United States Air Force (USAF) – increased significantly in recent days, a witness told Reuters news agency. A USAF spokesperson told Reuters that it could not discuss any security measures. “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.This is a breaking story and will be updated. EXPLORE MORE ON THE TOPICS IN THIS STORY