UK police evacuate homes near RAF Fairford airbase used by US

Gloucestershire police said they had detained several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and declared a major incident after evacuating homes in Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford. The army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal unit was reported to be examining multiple vehicles, and authorities moved residents from several properties to a nearby leisure centre for safety. Local reporting and a Reuters correspondent at the scene described armed officers blocking access to the airbase’s main gate, with equipment placed around entry points. Around 30 emergency vehicles — including police cars, ambulances and fire engines — were positioned in the nearby town of Fairford as the response continued. Britain’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting thanked emergency and specialist teams involved in handling the situation, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s office said he was receiving updates. Local media reported that counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, though Gloucestershire police sought to reassure the public that the incident was believed to be contained. There was no immediate confirmation on what prompted the arrests, whether explosives were found, or if the suspected offences were linked to RAF Fairford. The US Air Force said it was aware of reports and that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other US units in the UK remained vigilant, but it declined to discuss specific security measures. Authorities have not connected the arrests to Iran, despite prior regional tensions and earlier US missions involving the base.