A top cop has issued a new statement revealing further details about the major incident unfolding outside RAF Fairford.
Gloucestershire Police has confirmed Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation after five men were arrested under the Explosives Act.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone has also revealed police were initially called to reports of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the US airbase.
The call was received at around 12.45am today (Sunday), before armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area.
All five remain in police custody while the investigation continues.
A 400-metre cordon has been established around the vehicles, which are being examined by army bomb disposal specialists.
Around 85 households have been advised to evacuate as a precaution, with a nearby leisure centre opened for people unable to stay with friends or family.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone, of Gloucestershire Police, said: “At around12.45am today (Sunday 27 September) police received a call relating to three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford.
“Armed officers responded and subsequently arrested five men in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act.
“The men were taken into custody where they remain.
“Counter Terrorism Policing are now leading the investigation.
“A 400m cordon has been put in place around the vehicles while the Army’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit examine them.
“As a precaution, around 85 households have been advised to evacuate while these examinations take place.
“A nearby leisure centre has been opened for those unable to stay with friends and family.
“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents.
“Work to establish the full nature of this incident is ongoing and we are in constant communication with our partners locally and nationally.
“Gloucestershire Police’s focus at this time is on the local community and I’d like to thank the residents who have left their homes this morning for their understanding and support.
“We appreciate the disruption this will have caused and would like to reassure them we are working as quickly as we can to get them back in their properties.
“We would ask the public not to speculate but to follow official channels for updates.”
