A police officer blocking a road near the RAF Fairford airbase. Photograph: Toby Shepheard/ReutersView image in fullscreenA police officer blocking a road near the RAF Fairford airbase. Photograph: Toby Shepheard/ReutersMajor incident declared near RAF Fairford as men held on suspicion of explosives offencesPeople evacuated from village as army inspects vehicles near airbase in Gloucestershire used by US forces
Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after the declaration of a major incident at RAF Fairford.
Homes were evacuated and the army was also inspecting a number of vehicles as security was stepped up at the Gloucestershire airbase, which is used by US forces. Evacuated residents were being taken to a nearby leisure centre.
The base has been at the centre of protests in recent months over the British government’s decision to allow the US to use it to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards told Britain in July not to allow US bombers to fly from the base. At the time, a government spokesperson said: “Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.”
Gloucestershire police said: “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.
“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
A police spokesperson added that the situation was contained and said local people need not be alarmed.
Armed police have been seen blocking access to the main gate of the base, and many emergency vehicles including police cars, ambulances and fire engines were visible on Sunday morning in Fairford, the village near the base.
A spokesperson for the US air force said they would not discuss specific force protection 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.
“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”
