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Police stand at a roadblock on the road to RAF Fairford after an incident, in Whelford, England (Picture credit: AP)
A major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, prompting the evacuation of homes in the nearby village of Whelford.Police said the situation had been contained, while an Army explosive ordnance disposal team examined several vehicles.Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, according to the BBC, although authorities have not said whether the arrests are linked to the US air base.Here is what we know so far.
What happened?
Gloucestershire Police said several men were arrested early on Sunday on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.A number of properties in Whelford were evacuated and residents were taken to a nearby leisure centre in Cirencester while emergency services dealt with the incident.Police said a cordon had been established and that they believed the situation was contained.“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place,” Gloucestershire Police said, as reported by the BBC.
A large emergency services presence was reported in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.
Why is RAF Fairford significant?
Whelford is near RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base that hosts US Air Force personnel.The base has recently been used by US forces during the conflict with Iran. According to the BBC, four American bombers arrived at RAF Fairford in March after then-prime minister Keir Starmer authorised US action described as “defensive” against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.The US has since used British bases for specific defensive operations.Police have not confirmed that Sunday's arrests or the explosives investigation are connected to RAF Fairford.The US department of defence raised the threat level at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk following the incident near Fairford. RAF Lakenheath confirmed it was on Charlie alert, the second-highest threat level issued by the US department of defence.According to the BBC, RAF Fairford had been raised to Delta, the highest threat level.
What has the US Air Force said?
A US Air Force spokesperson said personnel at RAF Fairford “remain vigilant” but declined to discuss specific force-protection measures for security reasons.“We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families,” the spokesperson said, according to the news agency AP.The spokesperson added that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other US wings based in Britain would take appropriate measures to protect US service members, civilians, contractors and their families.
What are officials saying?
Defence secretary Wes Streeting thanked the emergency and specialist teams responding to the incident.“We can be reassured that this is being dealt with,” he said.A government spokesperson also thanked emergency services for acting quickly to detain several suspects and protect the local community, while saying it would be inappropriate to comment further as the investigation continues.Local authorities said the incident was serious, with those living closest to the affected area evacuated to Cirencester Leisure Centre.Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the situation, according to his office.
What we don't know yet
Police have not disclosed how many men were arrested or released their identities. Authorities have also provided few details about what led to the major incident declaration.Most importantly, police have not confirmed that the arrests or explosives investigation are linked to RAF Fairford.Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation, which was in line with normal procedures in similar situations.
