British police have declared a major incident at RAF Fairford in southwest England after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
Security was tightened around the air base, which hosts US Air Force personnel and has been used by US aircraft. An eyewitness for Reuters reported that armed police were blocking access to the base’s main gate.
Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the nearby village of Fairford.
Properties evacuated after arrests
Gloucestershire Police said several properties in the Whelford area, a village near the air base, were being evacuated following the declaration of the major incident.
The force said several men had been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was also examining a number of vehicles as part of the response.
Police did not immediately provide further details about the nature of the suspected offences or whether there was any confirmed threat to the air base.
US Air Force increases vigilance
A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures being implemented at the installation.
The spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other US units based in Britain remained vigilant and would take appropriate measures to protect US personnel, civilians, contractors and their families.
The US military regularly assesses security conditions and adjusts protective measures around its installations based on a range of factors, the spokesperson added.
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Fairford’s role in US military operations
RAF Fairford is a major US Air Force facility in Britain and has hosted US strategic bombers, including B-1B Lancers.
The British government authorised the United States to use the base for strikes against Iranian missile sites that have been attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.
The heightened security comes after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned in July against allowing US bombers to operate from Fairford.
Britain said at the time that its armed forces were prepared to protect the country against any attack.
Wider concerns over security threats
The incident also comes amid broader British concerns about potential security threats to the country.
British ministers have briefed operators of critical infrastructure about threats linked to Russia, including possible sabotage operations and cyberattacks.
Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations that Russia is conducting hybrid attacks against Western countries.
The investigation at Fairford remains ongoing, with police and military specialists continuing to examine vehicles and secure areas around the air base.
