London — Gloucestershire Police announced Sunday that multiple arrests were made in connection with suspected violations of the explosives act in the vicinity of a significant United States military installation in southwest England.
A major incident was declared after the arrests, leading to the evacuation of several properties in the area of Whelford. The village is situated approximately two miles from RAF Fairford.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” the police stated. “It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act.”
The RAF Fairford base is home to United States Air Force personnel and has served since February as a critical staging ground for American military operations against Iran. The facility hosts heavy bombers, including B-1 Lancers and B-52 Stratofortresses.
Specialist explosive ordnance disposal teams from the Army were deployed to examine several vehicles at the scene. Local residents were relocated to a nearby recreation center as a security cordon was established.
Officials indicated that the situation appears to be under control. “We believe this incident is contained,” the police statement read, adding that officers are collaborating with partner agencies and activating established contingency plans.
Another day, another major incident near an airbase? Makes you wonder what these guys were actually planning.
Scary how close this is to a major US base. Glad it’s contained, but residents must be terrified.