Five arrested and homes evacuated near RAF Fairford in ‘major incident’
Gloucestershire Police said army bomb disposal specialists examined three vehicles that had approached the airbase, which is used by the US, before dawn on 27 September.
Gloucestershire Police evacuated homes in the Whelford area near RAF Fairford in the early hours of 27 September after declaring a “major incident” and arresting five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
The force said it received a call in the early hours of that morning reporting three vehicles travelling towards the airbase. Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists were sent to examine the vehicles inside a 400-metre cordon.
Gloucestershire Police said a number of properties in the Whelford area were being evacuated following the declaration of a major incident.
About 85 households were moved out of their homes as a precaution while the vehicles were examined, and roughly 30 emergency service vehicles were sent to the scene. No timeframe has been given for when residents might be able to return.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said counter-terrorism officers were working with Gloucestershire Police on the investigation.
The five men arrested were held on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. No detail has been given on what, if anything, was found in the vehicles.
RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing, which said: “The safety and security of our airmen, families, and surrounding communities remains our highest priority.”
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “We can be reassured that this is being dealt with.”
The base has been used for US strikes during the US-Israel war on Iran, according to Al Jazeera. Police have not confirmed any link between the arrests and that use of the airbase.
No further details on the identities of those arrested or the outcome of the vehicle examinations had been released.