Men arrested and houses evacuated in major incident near RAF Fairford

A major incident has been declared and homes have been evacuated in a village near an RAF base which hosts the United States Air Force.

Gloucestershire Police said residents in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, have been taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue.

Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, police said.

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

Police said a cordon is currently in place in the area and that officers believe the incident is contained.

A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.