British authorities evacuated buildings and deployed military bomb disposal teams in the town of Whelford on Sunday morning following a "major incident" near Fairford air base, which is used by the US military. London's Metropolitan Police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a "terrorist act" and explosive-related offenses. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, were seen in the area. Authorities said they believed the incident to be "contained."
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation. "We are in the early stages of an investigation," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said in an online statement, adding that authorities were "working closely with our partners" to understand the circumstances. The statement urged the public to share any information related to the issue. Local police said they received a call overnight about "three suspicious vehicles" heading to the base.
"Armed officers responded and subsequently arrested five men in the Whelford area," assistant chief constable Richard Ocone told reporters. He added that a 400-meter 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," Ocone said, adding that some evacuees were taken to a nearby leisure center. The Gloucestershire police representative also asked the public "not to speculate" but follow official channels instead.
A spokesperson for the US Air Force refused to discuss specific steps when contacted by Reuters, saying only that both US and British forces "remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families." The background for the incident was not immediately clear.
The UK has allowed the US to use Fairford for its war against Iran, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards warning UK officials against the move this summer. The evacuations also come at a time of heightened tensions in Northern Ireland, and less than two months after Germany discovered an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport, which its authorities attributed to Russia.
Source: www.dw.com