Homes near an air base used by US forces in Gloucestershire have been evacuated following a ‘major incident’.

A number of residents in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, have been relocated to a leisure centre after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the explosives act.

Specialist explosive disposal teams are currently examining several vehicles in the area, police confirmed.

Some 30 emergency vehicles were stationed in the village, according to eyewitness reports.

Gloucestershire Police said the incident had been contained, but a cordon remains in place.

The force said in a statement: ‘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.

‘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.’

The force did not confirm whether the arrests were connected with the incident at RAF Fairford, which hosts US Air force personnel and serves as a base for the Iran war.

In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned the UK not to allow US bombers to fly out of the facility.

A Facebook community group reported heightened security in recent days at the facility, suggesting it may be operating on FPCON Delta, the highest protection alert, indicating a specific or imminent threat.

The local MP, the Liberal Democrat Roz Savage, said Whelford Road had been closed from the bottom of the RAF base.

She said: ‘These are worrying scenes in Whelford, just outside the RAF Fairford base.

‘I have contacted the police for further updates and I’ve been told that it is believed the incident is contained. I would like to thank the authorities for the work they are currently doing to protect residents.’

A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to comment on the incident or specific protection measures.

They 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.’

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