What we know about RAF base counter-terror investigation

Image caption, Aerial pictures showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an airbase in the west of England.

Bomb disposal teams have been examining a number of vehicles near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and dozens of homes in the surrounding area have been evacuated.

Here is a summary of what we know so far.

RAF Fairford is located in the Cotswolds, about four miles (6.4km) south of the town of Fairford, which sits along the River Coln.

The base shares a long history with the American military, and has recently been used by US warplanes as a staging post for defensive strikes on Iran.