Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with homes evacuated and counter-terrorism police leading the investigation.
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Key facts
- Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford.
- A major incident was declared and residents of Whelford were evacuated.
- Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation and a bomb squad was deployed.
- The airbase is used by US forces and was used in American attacks against Iran.
- Roadblocks, armed police and fortified base entrances were put in place over the weekend.
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, after police declared a major incident, according to the Guardian. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation.
Residents were evacuated from their homes near the airbase, with armed police manning a cordon near the village of Whelford. The Guardian reported that evacuated residents were being taken to a nearby leisure centre.
A bomb squad was sent to Whelford and extra security measures were put in place, including the fortification of entrances to the base. The army was also inspecting a number of vehicles as security was stepped up, according to the Guardian.
Roadblocks and armed police were seen in the area over the weekend. Early reports described the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, before police later confirmed that five men had been arrested on suspicion of both explosives and terrorism offences.
RAF Fairford is used by the US air force. The Guardian noted the base has been used in American attacks against Iran.
Why it matters
An incident involving suspected explosives and terrorism offences near an active airbase used by US forces raises significant security concerns for local residents and national authorities. The evacuation of a village and deployment of counter-terrorism police underline the seriousness with which the situation is being treated.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the incident take place?
The major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with police activity centred on the nearby village of Whelford.
How many people were arrested and on what suspicion?
Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences, according to the Guardian.
Why is RAF Fairford significant?
RAF Fairford is used by the US air force and, according to the Guardian, has been used in American attacks against Iran.
Timeline
- Five arrested over alleged terrorism offences after ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford
The Guardian World: Homes evacuated as men also suspected of explosives offences near Gloucestershire airbase used in US attacks against Iran Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation in which five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near an RAF base used
- Five arrested for alleged terrorism offences after ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford
The Guardian World: Men held also suspected of explosives offences as homes evacuated near British airbase used in US attacks on Iran Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation in which five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near an RAF base used in US a
- Counter-terrorism police investigate ‘major incident’ near RAF Fairford
The Guardian World: People evacuated from village after men are arrested on suspicion of explosives offences near Gloucestershire airbase used by US forces Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation that saw several men arrested on suspicion of explosives offences near an RAF base. After
- Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as men held on suspicion of explosives offences
The Guardian World: People evacuated from village as army inspects vehicles near airbase in Gloucestershire used by US forces Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after the declaration of a major incident at RAF Fairford. Homes were evacuated and the army
- Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as men arrested on suspicion of explosives offences
The Guardian World: People evacuated from village near airbase used by US air force in Gloucestershire Villagers have been evacuated from their homes near RAF Fairford after the arrest of several men on suspicion of explosives offences, police have said. A major incident was declared, with armed pol