RAF Fairford on terror alert as nearby residents evacuated, Army bomb squad deployed and multiple men arrested
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A major incident has been declared at RAF Fairford as 'several' men were arrested and nearby homes were evacuated.
The men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act at the US air base in Gloucestershire.
It is understood other US bases have been put on Delta alert, the American military's highest warning rating.
Residents living near RAF Fairford are being evacuated to a leisure centre as the British Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examine vehicles near the base amid what is understood to be a possible car bomb threat.
Roadblocks and armed police have been in place near the base in recent days and emergency vehicles are parked nearby.
RAF Fairford is home to the US Air Force's 501st combat support wing and was the subject of a warning from Iran's Revolutionary Guard in July as the regime warned Britain not to allow American bombers to fly from the base.
There is no suggestion the current major incident is linked to Iran.
The major incident was declared as the Labour party conference began in Liverpool and will raise fresh questions over the thorny decisions to be made on defence by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Chancellor John Healey next month.
Armed police at RAF Fairford as a major incident was declared and several men were arrested under the Explosives Act
Officers have also evacuated nearby homes, with residents ushered to a leisure centre.
A B-1B Lancer bomber pictured at the air base, the home of the US Air Force's 501st combat support wing
A US Air Force spokesman said: 'The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based Wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families.
'We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families.'
Gloucestershire Police 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.'
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