A major incident has been declared following the arrest of several men near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives offences.
Residents living in nearby Whelford have been evacuated from the area near the site of the airbase which is used by the United States Air Force (USAF).
A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.
“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.”
The spokesman continued: “The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.
“The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre.
“A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.
“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
Residents living near RAF Fairford have been evacuated
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GETTY
A police officer blocks a road near the RAF Fairford airbase
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REUTERS
A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.
GB News has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.
A spokesman from the US Air Force said: “The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families.
“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.”
Police at the scene of RAF Fairford
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REUTERS
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