British police have arrested several people near a major air base used by US forces in southwest England, prompting the evacuation of properties in the area.
Gloucestershire Police said on Sunday that the arrests were made on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, leading authorities to declare a major incident in Whelford.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” the police said in a statement.
“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act.”
Whelford is about two miles from RAF Fairford, a military facility that hosts the US Air Force and has served since February as an important base for American operations against Iran, including missions involving B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers.
Police said the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team had been deployed to examine several vehicles as part of the investigation.
“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” the statement said.
Residents in the affected area were moved to a nearby recreation centre, while a security cordon was established around the area.
Police said they believed the situation was under control and that emergency response plans had been activated.
“We believe this incident is contained,” police said. “We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
A British government spokesperson told ABC News that Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept informed about developments in Gloucestershire.
“We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe,” the spokesperson said.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also addressed the incident in a post on X, saying emergency response teams and the Armed Forces were prepared to respond.
“We can be reassured that this is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7,” he said.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood separately thanked emergency personnel for their response and said authorities had confirmed that the incident was contained.
The development came amid reports that some US military bases in the UK had increased their threat levels.
The 48th Fighter Wing, a US unit stationed at RAF Lakenheath in eastern England, declined to discuss specific security measures when contacted by ABC News, citing operational security concerns.
The unit said it regularly reviews security conditions and adjusts its measures when necessary.
“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures are implemented or modified. Please be assured that the Tri-Base area (RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell) remains vigilant and will take appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of U.S. service members, U.S. and U.K. civilians, contractors, and their families,” the statement said.
