RAF Fairford: Armed Police Block Main Gate as Around 30 Emergency Vehicles Gather

Armed police blocked RAF Fairford’s main gate on Sunday as around 30 emergency vehicles gathered nearby during a major incident involving suspected explosives offences, according to Reuters.

A Reuters witness reported police cars, ambulances and fire engines stationed in Fairford, Gloucestershire, on September 27, as evacuations and vehicle examinations continued in the neighbouring Whelford area.

The observations provide a clearer picture of the emergency response after police announced the arrest of several men.

Army Bomb Disposal Team Examines Vehicles

Gloucestershire Constabulary said the men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.

An Army explosive ordnance disposal team is examining several vehicles. Residents from affected properties in Whelford are being taken to a nearby leisure centre.

Police have established a cordon and said they believe the incident is contained. The exact number of arrests and the results of the vehicle examinations have not been announced.

U.S. Air Force Responds to Security Reports

A U.S. Air Force spokesperson told Reuters that the 501st Combat Support Wing and other units based in Britain remained vigilant and would take appropriate measures to protect personnel and their families.

The spokesperson declined to discuss specific force-protection arrangements. Reports that RAF Fairford had been placed under FPCON Delta have not been publicly confirmed by the service.

Authorities have not publicly established whether the suspected explosives offences were directed at the airbase.