RAF Fairford: Counter-terror police lead investigation into major incident near air base, officials say
Counter-terrorism police have arrested five men following a major incident near the RAF Fairford military base in the UK. Authorities have contained the situation, though investigations into potential explosives offences are ongoing.
Why it matters
The involvement of counter-terrorism units near a major military installation highlights ongoing security concerns regarding potential threats to critical infrastructure.
What should have been a quiet Sunday morning in a Gloucestershire village has been upended, as the Army and other emergency services were called to respond to a major incident near the RAF Fairford military base.
00:45 BST: Gloucestershire police says it received a call reporting "three suspicious vehicles" travelling towards RAF Fairford.
Around 07:00 BST: Residents in the village of Whelford - which is around two miles (3.2 km) from the base - describe being woken up by police, who told them to evacuate from their homes to a local leisure centre.
Shortly after 08:00 BST: Gloucestershire police says a "major incident" has been declared near RAF Fairford, and that several men have been arrested on suspicion of explosives offences.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Men arrested and houses evacuated in major incident near RAF Fairford
Police declare major incident at U.K.’s Fairford air base, used by U.S. air forces
Homes Near US Base In UK Evacuated, Men Detained Over Explosives Offences
UK counter-terror police investigate after several arrested near base used by US forces
Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as men held on suspicion of explosives offences
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