UK police arrest several under explosives act in 'major incident' near US air base

The village of Whelford is located around 2 miles from RAF Fairford.

LONDON -- British police announced on Sunday morning that several people were arrested "on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act" close to a major U.S. air base in the southwest of England.

"A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident," Gloucestershire Police said in a statement. "It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act."

A police officer blocks a road near the RAF Fairford airbase, which hosts United States Air Force (USAF) personnel, in Fairford, U.K., on Sept. 27, 2026.Toby Shepheard/ReutersThe village of Whelford is located around 2 miles from RAF Fairford, which hosts the U.S. Air Force and has since February been serving as a key hub for American operations against Iran -- including for heavy bombers like the B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress.

"The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles," the police statement said.

Local residents were evacuated to a nearby recreation center, with a cordon put in place. "We believe this incident is contained," police said. "We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."

A B-1 Lancer bomber is parked at the RAF Fairford airbase, which hosts United States Air Force (USAF) personnel, in Fairford, U.K., on Sept. 27, 2026.Toby Shepheard/ReutersABC News' Rashid Haddou-Riffi contributed to this report.