A major incident has been declared and villagers have been evacuated from their homes near a military airbase following the arrest of several men on suspicion of explosives offences.

The Army's bomb disposal team is currently examining a number of vehicles at Royal Air Force Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The base also hosts the United States Air Force (USAF) and has been used to launch operations against Iran during the Middle East conflict.

A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.

Gloucestershire Police said: “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. The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.

“The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre. 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.”

In March this year, after then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases, four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford and the US started using British bases for “specific defensive operations”.

The airbase also hosts the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), though this year’s event in May was cancelled because of the military operations.

Security measures at the site in southwest England have significantly increased with roadblocks and armed police preventing access and emergency vehicles parked nearby, Reuters reported on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the US Air ⁠Force said they ​would not discuss specific force protection ⁠measures.

"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," the spokesperson said.

"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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