Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act following the declaration of a major incident at RAF Fairford. The Gloucestershire airbase, used by US forces, has seen heightened security measures, including the evacuation of homes in the surrounding village.

Evacuations and Security Measures

Residents were evacuated and taken to a nearby leisure centre as the army inspected multiple vehicles near the airbase. Gloucestershire police confirmed that a number of properties in the Whelford area were being evacuated in response to the situation.

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"A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident," a police spokesperson stated. "We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."

Armed police have been deployed to block access to the main gate of the base, with numerous emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, visible in Fairford on Sunday morning.