Several people arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses near British base used by US forces

Police in the west of England said several men were arrested on suspicion of committing explosives offenses near an air base often used by US forces.

A number of properties have been evacuated in the Whelford area of ​​Gloucestershire in southern England “following the declaration of a major incident”, a police statement said.

Counter-terrorism police are investigating the incident, PA Media reports.

Whelford is close to the Royal Air Force base at Fairford, which was used by US B-1 bombers involved in attacks on Iran and is a forward operating site for US Global Strike Command, responsible for handling long-range strikes.

A spokesperson for the US Air Force in Fairford – where the 501st Combat Support Wing is based – told CNN: “For operational security reasons, we will not discuss specific force protection measures. »

The unit “remains vigilant and will take appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of our U.S. service members, civilians, contractors and their families,” the spokesperson said.

“The army’s specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team is currently examining a number of vehicles. Local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre,” the police statement said.

“A cordon is currently in place but we would like to reassure people that we believe this incident is under control,” Gloucestershire Police said.

Images from the scene showed a large emergency services presence, while an eyewitness told Reuters that armed police were blocking access to the base’s main gate.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the incident, according to a government spokesperson.

“We are grateful to emergency services, who acted quickly to arrest several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe,” the spokesperson said.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing.”

“We can be reassured that this problem is resolved, and that is exactly why our emergency response teams and armed forces are on standby 24/7,” British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said.

In March, the British government authorized the US Air Force to use Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Months later, the United Kingdom said its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning about allowing American bombers to fly from British bases.

“Our armed forces are ready to protect the UK from any type of attack, whether at home or from abroad. The UK is prepared to defend itself 24/7,” a government spokesperson said.

This story has been updated with additional information.