Several men have been arrested and homes evacuated after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford.
Gloucestershire Police launched the major response in the Whelford area on Sunday 27 September following arrests on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
The Army’s specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to the scene and is examining a number of vehicles.
A police cordon has been established while residents from a number of properties are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre.
Around 30 emergency vehicles have been seen in the area, including police cars, ambulances, fire engines and an incident command vehicle.
Whelford Road has also been closed from the bottom of RAF Fairford, according to a reporter at the scene.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said it believes the incident is contained and officers are working alongside partner agencies.
A force spokesperson 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.
“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.
“The local residents are being evacuated to a nearby leisure centre.
“A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.
“We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.”
The incident comes amid reportedly heightened security at RAF Fairford, which lies around ten miles north of Swindon.
A Reuters witness reported seeing roadblocks and armed police preventing access to the air base, with emergency vehicles also nearby.
The US Air Force confirmed it was aware of the reporting but declined to discuss specific force-protection measures.
A US Air Force spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based wings remained vigilant and would take appropriate measures to protect US service members, civilians, contractors and their families.
There is currently no confirmation from police that the security measures at RAF Fairford are connected to the investigation in Whelford.
Police have not disclosed what prompted the arrests or what, if anything, has been discovered inside the vehicles being examined.
It has also not been confirmed whether an explosive device has been found.
The identities of those arrested have not been released.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the cordon and evacuations continuing.
