Men held under Explosives Act as major incident declared

A major incident has been declared and homes have been evacuated in a village near an RAF base which hosts the United States Air Force.

Gloucestershire Police said residents in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, have been taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue.

Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, police said.

The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is currently examining a number of vehicles.

Police said a cordon was currently in place in the area and added officers believed the incident was contained.

A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.

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.”

The base has been used to deploy US bombers since the conflict in Iran began on 28 February.

Police said the men were arrested early on Sunday morning.