A major incident has been declared and homes have been evacuated in a village near an RAF base which hosts the United States Air Force.

Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, Gloucestershire police said. An army explosive ordnance disposal team is currently examining a number of vehicles.

Residents in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, have been taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue, police said. A cordon is currently in place in the area and officers say they believe the incident is contained.

The base has been recently used to deploy American bombers since the country’s conflict in Iran began on 28 February.

In March this year, after then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases, four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford and the US started using British bases for “specific defensive operations”.

A large emergency services presence has been seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.

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 base has been used to deploy US bombers since the conflict in Iran began on 28 February.

Police said the men were arrested early on Sunday morning.

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