HOMES EVACUATED NEAR UK MILITARY BASE AFTER EXPLOSIVES-RELATED ARRESTS

September 27, 2026

Several properties in Whelford, Gloucestershire, were evacuated on Sunday after police declared a major incident following the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the UK Explosives Act.

The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was deployed to examine a number of vehicles in the area. Local residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre while police established a cordon around the affected area.

The incident occurred near RAF Fairford, a military base that hosts US Air Force personnel. However, Gloucestershire Police have not confirmed that the arrests or the explosives investigation were directly connected to the military installation.

Police said they believe the situation is contained and that officers are working with partner agencies under established emergency procedures. Further details about the nature of the suspected explosives-related offences were not immediately disclosed.