Several arrested, homes evacuated near US air base in England

LONDON, Sept 27: British police have arrested several men on suspicion of explosives-related offences and evacuated several properties near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where US Air Force personnel are based.

Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident in the nearby village of Whelford, saying residents were being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre while a cordon was established. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was examining several vehicles as part of the operation.

Police said they believed the incident was contained and were working with other agencies. A large emergency-services presence, including armed police, was reported around the area.

RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force and has been involved in US military operations against Iran during the current regional conflict. However, police have not said that the arrests or the explosives investigation are connected to the air base or to Iran.

The US Air Force said it would not discuss specific force-protection measures but that its UK-based units remained vigilant and were taking appropriate steps to protect personnel, civilians, contractors and their families