A major incident has been declared at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Nearby residents were evacuated while the British Army’s bomb disposal specialists examined vehicles amid an understood possible car bomb threat, prompting roadblocks, armed police and emergency vehicles near the US air base.

RAF Fairford hosts the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing. The base had previously been mentioned in a warning from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, but there is no suggestion the current incident is connected to Iran. A US Air Force spokesman said personnel remained vigilant and were reviewing security measures to protect service members, civilians, contractors and their families.