Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident near RAF Fairford in Whelford after arresting several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Residents from a number of nearby properties were evacuated to a leisure centre, while the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examined several vehicles at the scene.
Police maintained a cordon around the area and said they believed the incident was contained. RAF Fairford, which is used by the US Air Force, has drawn added attention because of its military significance, although police have not confirmed any direct link between the arrests and the air base itself.
The situation developed on Sunday morning and prompted a significant emergency response in the village close to the Gloucestershire base. The US Air Force has kept personnel on alert, but has not disclosed any force-protection details. Officials have not yet identified what was found, whether any explosives were recovered, or how the arrests relate to the wider security posture around the site.