A major incident has been declared at RAF Fairford after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
Army bomb disposal specialists are examining a number of vehicles for potential bombs following the arrests this morning (Sunday).
Footage obtained by Wiltshire 999s shows at least four men – who appeared to be topless – detained at gunpoint near the airbase.
A significant emergency services operation has been underway around the US airbase since the early hours, with residents evacuated and armed police deployed.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed that a number of properties are being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.
Local residents are being taken to a nearby leisure centre while the operation continues.
A Gloucestershire Police 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.”
Police officers have been seen going door-to-door evacuating homes in Horcott Road and nearby.
A female police officer, speaking to the press at the scene earlier this morning, described the situation as a “major incident”.
Roads surrounding RAF Fairford have been closed, with armed Ministry of Defence Police and Gloucestershire Police officers stationed around the perimeter.
Around six ambulances, including four Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) vehicles, have gathered at a rendezvous point nearby.
Three fire engines and numerous fire support vehicles, including a command unit, are also at the scene.
The incident is believed to have started at around 1am.
A National Police Air Service helicopter was seen tightly circling RAF Fairford for around one hour during the early stages of the operation.
There has since been a significant multi-agency emergency services presence in the area.
Personnel from the Ministry of Defence Police, Gloucestershire Police, Wiltshire Police and Thames Valley Police have all been seen in the vicinity of the base.
The latest police statement confirms bomb disposal specialists are examining vehicles, but no further details about what has been found have been released.
Police say they believe the incident is contained.
