British law enforcement officials announced on Sunday morning that multiple individuals had been taken into custody on suspicion of committing violations related to explosives legislation in proximity to a significant military installation housing United States armed forces in southwestern England.
UK PM being updated about Gloucestershire incident
“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act. “We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place. A spokesperson from the British government informed ABC News that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving regular updates regarding the incident in Gloucestershire.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” Gloucestershire Police stated in a statement, as per BBC. “The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles,” the police said. “We believe this incident is contained,” police said. The UK’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged that the incident occurring near RAF Fairford is “being dealt with” and expressed appreciation for the emergency personnel who responded “so swiftly”. “It is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7,” he added, as per The Journal. “I have contacted the police for further updates and I’ve been told that it is believed the incident is contained,” she said on X.
