British Police: 'Major incident' near US air base... evacuation of local residents

- Arrest of several individuals suspected of violating explosives legislation

British police announced on Sunday that they were responding to a “major incident” in the Wilford area of Gloucestershire, near RAF Fairford, which hosts members of the US Air Force, following the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under explosives laws.

Gloucestershire Police said that a specialized British Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was examining several vehicles in the area, while residents of some properties in Wilford were being evacuated and relocated to a nearby leisure center.

The police added that a security cordon had been established in the area, emphasizing that authorities believed the incident was confined to the affected zone and that they were working with relevant agencies in accordance with approved emergency plans.

These security measures come amid heightened security in the area surrounding RAF Fairford, with roadblocks set up and armed police officers deployed. Witnesses reported the presence of emergency service vehicles in the vicinity of the base.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the nature of the materials being handled or the results of the vehicle inspections, nor have they officially linked the arrests to any threat targeting the air base.

Several individuals arrested on suspicion of explosives-related offenses