LONDON — <\/span>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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Toby Shepheard\/Reuters<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The 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.<\/p>\n “The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” the police statement said.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"B-52\"](\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/3c03aff2-a26d-40f7-8900-8b3b596a9a6e\/Fairford-DB-260927_1790496858720_hpMain.jpg?w=375 "\\"B-52\\"")
<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>![\"British](\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/00138f48-9df9-441d-9e2b-c6c3489332f3\/Fairford-DB-2609271_1790496869981_hpMain.jpg?w=375 "\\"British")
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