UK counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses near an air base used by US forces.
A number of properties were evacuated in the Whelford area in the county of Gloucestershire “following the declaration of a major incident,” a police statement said.
“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” the statement said
Whelford is close to the Royal Air Force base at Fairford which has been used by US B-1 bombers involved in targeting Iran and is a forward operating location for US Global Strike Command, which is tasked with managing long-distance strikes.
A US air force spokesperson at Fairford – where the 501st Combat Support Wing is based – told CNN: “For operational security reasons we will not discuss specific force protection measures.”
The unit “remains vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families,” the spokesperson said.
Pictures from the scene show a large emergency services presence, while an eyewitness told Reuters armed police were blocking access to the main gate of the base.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the incident, according to a government spokesperson.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing.”
“We can be reassured that this is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7,” said UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting.
In March, the UK government gave the US air force permission to use Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Months later, the UK said its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning over allowing US bombers to fly from UK bases.
“Our Armed Forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it’s on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself,” a government spokesperson said.
This story has been updated with additional information.