Five men have been arrested as counter-terrorism police investigate a suspected terrorist plot near RAF Fairford, a United States Air Force base in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.
The suspects were detained after police received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the base at about 00:45 BST on Sunday, according to Gloucestershire Police.
A major incident was subsequently declared, while an Army explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine the vehicles.
Police said the men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act.
About 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated as investigations continued, while authorities said the situation had been contained.
A Hazardous Area Response Team was also deployed within a security cordon at RAF Fairford, which is used to support US military operations.
The incident comes after the base recently hosted US bombers amid the escalation of conflict involving Iran.
A government spokesperson said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was receiving regular updates on the situation.
“We are grateful to the emergency services who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also said residents “can be reassured” that the incident was being dealt with.
He posted on X, “I would like to thank all those emergency and specialist teams who have acted so swiftly regarding the incident in Gloucestershire.”
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.
“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
The US Air Force said personnel stationed at RAF Fairford remained vigilant and that appropriate measures would be taken to protect its personnel, civilians, contractors and their families.
A resident, Julian Tudsbury, said police arrived at his home at about 07:00 BST and instructed him to leave.
“There were several police, three police cars in the drive, and they said you need to evacuate, there’s been a major incident,” he told the BBC.
Tudsbury, who has lived in Whelford for 30 years, said residents had earlier reported seeing three suspicious vans in the area.
