Several arrested on suspicion of explosives offensives near UK air base used by US forces

Police in western England say several men have been arrested on suspicion of explosives offensives near an air base often used by US forces. A number of properties have been evacuated in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire, southern England, “following the declaration of a major incident,” a police statement said. Whelford is close to the Royal Air Force base at Fairford. “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,” the statement said “A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained,” Gloucestershire police said. This is a developing story and will be updated.