RAF Fairford live: Major incident declared as several men arrested and homes evacuated

RAF Fairford live: Major incident declared as several men arrested and homes evacuated A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford with homes evacuated in Whelford and Army bomb disposal experts examining vehicles. A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Residents in the Whelford area are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre while the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examines a number of vehicles. A cordon remains in place, although police say they believe the incident is contained and are working with partner agencies under established emergency plans. Key Events Police say incident is ‘contained’ Gloucestershire Police have sought to reassure residents amid the major emergency response. The force said: “A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.” Officers added that they were working closely with partner agencies and enacting “well-rehearsed plans”. Security ‘significantly increased’ at RAF Fairford Security measures around RAF Fairford have been “significantly increased” in recent days, according to a Reuters witness. Roadblocks and armed police were reported to be preventing access to the US air base on Sunday, while emergency vehicles were also seen nearby. A US Air Force spokesperson said they were aware of the reporting but would not discuss specific force-protection measures. Army bomb disposal experts examine vehicles The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining a number of vehicles as part of the ongoing operation. Police have not said whether any explosives have been found. Major incident declared near RAF Fairford A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Residents are being evacuated from a number of properties in the Whelford area, while a cordon remains in place. Police say they believe the incident is contained and are working with partner agencies at the scene.