UK police make arrests, evacuate homes in ‘major incident’ near air base used by US forces

British police said on Sunday they had arrested several men on suspicion of offences under ​the Explosives Act and the army was examining a number of vehicles after security was stepped up at a British air base used by US air forces in ​southwest England.

The ‌British government gave authorisation to the US to use RAF ⁠Fairford to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

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A ‌Reuters eyewitness said armed police were blocking access to the main ⁠gate of the base. Around 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the ​base.

"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," Gloucestershire police said in a statement, referring ‌to a village near the air base.

"The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number ​of vehicles."

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A spokesperson for the US Air Force said they would not discuss specific force protection measures.

"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," ​the spokesperson said.

"We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect ​our installations, our people and their families."

Britain said in July its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a warning not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford.

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British ministers have also ⁠briefed providers of critical infrastructure of the threat posed by Russia, with the government increasingly concerned about possible ⁠sabotage operations and ​cyberattacks. Russia denies mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations.