Homes Evacuated, Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford

Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident near RAF Fairford after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Residents in nearby Whelford were evacuated to a leisure centre as police established a cordon and emergency services, including armed officers, responded. Army bomb-disposal specialists examined vehicles, and police said they believed the situation was contained. Police have not said what prompted the operation or whether it is connected to the air base. RAF Fairford is used by US forces, including for operations against Iranian missile sites, and the US Air Force said its UK-based units were monitoring the situation and taking appropriate security measures.