Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as several men arrested under Explosives Act
A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act; homes in the Whelford area are being evacuated and Army bomb disposal experts are examining vehicles.
A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with several men arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and nearby homes being evacuated.
Gloucestershire Police said the arrests were made this morning, 27 September. A number of properties in the Whelford area are being evacuated, with residents moved to a nearby leisure centre. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining a number of vehicles.
“We’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained,” a police spokesperson said, adding that officers are “working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.” A cordon is in place around the scene.
A Reuters witness reported that security measures at the US air base in southwest England had significantly increased in recent days, with roadblocks, armed police and emergency vehicles nearby. A US Air Force spokesperson said: “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.”
Fairford, which hosts US Air Force personnel, has been used to launch operations against Iran during the Middle East conflict, and Britain said in July that its armed forces were ready to protect the country after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned against allowing US bombers to fly from the base.
Sources
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