Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as men held on suspicion of explosives offences

Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after the declaration of a major incident at RAF Fairford.A bomb squad was sent to the village of Whelford after extra security measures, including the fortification of entrances to the base, were put in place. Roadblocks and armed police have also been seen in the area over the weekend.Homes were evacuated and the army was also inspecting a number of vehicles as security was stepped up at the Gloucestershire airbase, which is used by US forces. Evacuated residents were being taken to a nearby leisure centre.The prime minister, Andy Burnham, was being updated on the matter from Liverpool, where the Labour Party conference is taking place.A government spokesperson said: “The prime minister is being kept updated on the incident in Gloucestershire. We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”RAF Fairford has been at the centre of protests in recent months over the British government’s decision to allow the US to use the base to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards told Britain in July not to allow US bombers to fly from the base. At the time, a government spokesperson said: “Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.”Emergency vehicles at a football club, in Fairford. Photograph: Toby Shepheard/ReutersGloucestershire police said: “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”A police spokesperson added that the situation was contained and said local people need not be alarmed.The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “I would like to thank all those emergency and specialist teams who have acted so swiftly regarding the incident in Gloucestershire. We can be reassured that this is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and armed forces are on standby 24/7.”Armed police have been seen blocking access to the main gate of the base, and many emergency vehicles including police cars, ambulances and fire engines were visible on Sunday morning in Fairford, the town near the base.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.”The MP for South Cotswolds, Roz Savage, described the situation as “worrying” but said it was believed to be “contained”. She added: “I have contacted the police for further updates and I’ve been told that it is believed the incident is contained. I would like to thank them for the work they are currently doing.”In May, the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is usually held at the base, was cancelled due to the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East.