Five men arrested as counter-terror police investigate major incident near RAF Fairford | BBC News

Five men have been arrested and remain in custody as counter-terrorism police investigate a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK.

The men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. Gloucestershire Police said officers received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the RAF base at about 00:45 BST.

Around 85 homes have been evacuated in nearby Whelford while investigations continue. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said work to establish the full nature of the incident is ongoing.

A British Army bomb disposal team is carrying out operations at the scene, with aerial footage showing robots deployed to examine vehicles.

RAF Fairford has long been used as a forward operating location by the US military. The US Air Force said it remains vigilant following the incident.

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