Five arrested as counter-terror police investigate major incident near RAF Fairford - BBC

Share Save Add as preferred on Google Olivia Ireland and Leigh Boobyer , West of England Reuters Police remained at the scene throughout the day Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosive offences after three "suspicious vehicles" were reported travelling towards an RAF base, police have said.

A major incident was declared and dozens of homes near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire were evacuated following the report at about 00:45 BST on Sunday.

An Army explosive ordnance disposal team has been examining vehicles near the base, which has been used by the United States Air Force (USAF) to launch attacks against Iran since March. Counter-terror police are leading the investigation.

Residents evacuated from the nearby village of Whelford have been told they will not be able to return home overnight, but officials say they believe the incident is contained.