Five arrests as counter-terror police lead probe into major incident near RAF Fairford

You are about to be charged £0.00* *Your gift has been applied Thank you for subscribing! Five arrests as counter-terror police lead probe into major incident near RAF Fairford GB News understands investigators had not known about any potential plot in advance The fearless champion of Britain, its voices and its values. Join the fight for free speech and fearless journalism. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Community Rules. Don't Miss Most Read Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation that saw five men arrested for explosive offences near RAF Fairford. The men were taken into custody where they remain, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone has confirmed. Mr Ocone confirmed that while the investigation is taking place, 85 households have been evacuated in the village of Whelford in Gloucestershire. GB News understands the operation was not intelligence-led, meaning investigators had not known about any potential plot in advance. A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Government will "always take every step necessary" to protect the country. His Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he has been in-touch with his American counter-part Pete Hegseth. Speaking from Labour's conference in Liverpool, he said: "I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that, given the importance of Fairford, not just to the United Kingdom but to the United States, we’ve been working closely with our American friends, and I’ve been in touch during the course of today with my counterpart Pete Hegseth.” A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident." A Government spokesman said: "We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe. "It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing." Counter-terror police have now taken over |PA Counter-terror police are now leading the probe into the arrests |REUTERS Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has said people "can be reassured" the incident near RAF Fairford is "being dealt with". He posted on social media: "I would like to thank all those emergency and specialist teams who have acted so swiftly regarding the incident in Gloucestershire. "We can be reassured that this is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also thanked emergency services, adding: "Whilst investigations are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further." LATEST DEVELOPMENTS - Crowds gather for Orange Order march in notorious Troubles flashpoint after 'unprecedented' last minute court ruling - Major incident declared at RAF Fairford with nearby properties evacuated as several men arrested - Wes Streeting orders Britons to stockpile tinned food and bottled water amid Russia war fears Meanwhile, RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk is on Charlie alert, the second-highest threat level that can be issued by the US Department of Defence. US airbase Lakenheath confirmed its current threat level to reporters. This comes after reports that RAF Fairford has been raised to the highest threat level, Delta. Force Protection Condition (FPCon) Charlie "applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action targeting personnel or facilities is likely", according to a US government website. Delta "applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent". Officers from Counter Terror Police are now investigating |REUTERS South Cotswolds Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage described the situation as "worrying". She said "I have contacted the police for further updates and I’ve been told that it is believed the incident is contained. I would like to thank them for the work they are currently doing." GB News has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment. In March this year, after then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases, four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford and the US started using British bases for "specific defensive operations". The airbase also hosts the annual Royal International Air Tattoo, though this year’s event in May was cancelled because of the military operations. A spokesman for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures. They said: "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. "We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families."