‘Major incident’ declared after explosives arrests near UK air force base

Locals have been evacuated after a “major incident” was declared near a Royal Air Force base used by US forces in south-west England.

Police said “several” men had been arrested on suspicion of explosives offences before the evacuations in Whelford, a small village near the Fairford base in the Cotswolds.

Gloucestershire police said the army’s explosive ordnance disposal team was examining several vehicles.

“A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained,” they said, in a statement on Sunday morning (afternoon AEST).

“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”

The British government gave authorisation to the US to use RAF Fairford to carry out strikes on ​Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

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."

A witness told Reuters armed police were blocking access to the main gate of the base. About 30 vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and ​fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford.

The residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre.

More to come.

- Reported with Reuters