Five arrested as counter-terror police investigate incident near RAF Fairford

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosive offences after three "suspicious vehicles" were reported travelling towards an RAF base, police confirmed.



A major incident was declared and dozens of homes near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire were evacuated following the report at about 00:45 local time on Sunday.



An Army explosive ordnance disposal team has been examining vehicles near the base, which is used by the United States Air Force (USAF), as counter-terror police lead the investigation.



Residents evacuated from the nearby village of Whelford have been told they will not be able to return home overnight, but officials say they believe the incident is contained.



Aerial pictures showed a remote-controlled robot approaching stationary white vans in a wooded area, though its use has not been confirmed by police.



A 400m cordon has been placed around the area, where a hazardous area response team was deployed as part of a major emergency service response.