// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Men held in major incident near RAF base as homes evacuated
A major incident has been declared and homes have been evacuated in a village near an RAF base which hosts the United States Air Force.
Gloucestershire Police said residents in Whelford, near RAF Fairford, have been taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue.
Several men have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, police said.
The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is currently examining a number of vehicles.
Police said a cordon was currently in place in the area and added officers believed the incident was contained.
A large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.
Gloucestershire Police said: "A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.
"It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
"We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."
The base has been used to deploy US bombers since the conflict in Iran began on 28 February.