Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after the declaration of a major incident at RAF Fairford. Homes were evacuated and the army was also inspecting a number of vehicles as security was stepped up at the Gloucestershire airbase, which is used by US forces. Evacuated residents were being taken to a nearby leisure centre.
The base has been at the centre of protests in recent months over the British government’s decision to allow the US to use it to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards told Britain in July not to allow US bombers to fly from the base. At the time, a government spokesperson said: “Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad.
The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.” Gloucestershire police said: “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. Armed police have been seen blocking access to the main gate of the base, and many emergency vehicles including police cars, ambulances and fire engines were visible on Sunday morning in Fairford, the village near the base. A spokesperson for the US air force said they would not discuss specific force protection measures.
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