Men arrested and houses evacuated in major incident near RAF Fairford
Gloucestershire Police have declared a major incident in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, following the arrest of several men under the Explosives Act. Residents have been evacuated to a leisure centre while the Army's explosive ordnance disposal team investigates vehicles in the area.
Why it matters
The proximity of the incident to a major military base hosting US Air Force assets raises significant security and public safety concerns.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Homes are being evacuated
A "major incident" has been declared and homes have been evacuated in a village near an RAF base which hosts the United States Air Force.
Gloucestershire Police said residents in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, have been taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue.
Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, police said.
The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is currently examining a number of vehicles.
Police said a cordon is currently in place in the area and that officers believe the incident is contained.
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