Police evacuate homes and arrest men near RAF Fairford on explosives suspicion
British authorities evacuated residents and detained several men on suspicion of explosives offences near the U.S. Air Force base at RAF Fairford, declaring a major incident and deploying bomb disposal teams.
British police evacuated homes in the village of Whelford and arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford, a U.S. Air Force base used for operations against Iran.
Gloucestershire police said properties were being cleared while an Army specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examined multiple vehicles, adding that the situation was contained.
Local resident Julian Tudsbery told the Press Association that three white vans were reported near the base in the early hours, and residents were moved to a nearby recreation centre.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based units remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to protect service members, civilians and contractors, but declined to discuss specific force-protection measures.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being briefed, and officials said further comment would be withheld while investigations continue.
The incident follows heightened security at the base after the UK authorised limited defensive use of its facilities for operations against Iran, and after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that such bases could be targeted.
Local MP Roz Savage thanked police for their response, and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said emergency teams and the Armed Forces are on standby 24/7.