Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) are investigating after five men in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act.

Around 12.45am on Sunday morning, police received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Armed officers responded and subsequently arrested five men in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act.

A cordon was put in place around the vehicles, while the Army’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit investigated and 85 households were advised to evacuate.

ACC Richard Ocone from Gloucestershire Police said: "The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents.

"Work to establish the full nature of this incident is ongoing and we are in constant communication with our partners locally and nationally.

"Gloucestershire Police’s focus at this time is on the local community and I’d like to thank the residents who have left their homes this morning for their understanding and support.

"We appreciate the disruption this will have caused and would like to reassure them we are working as quickly as we can to get them back in their properties.

"We would ask the public not to speculate but to follow official channels for updates."

Counter Terrorism Policing published an update on Monday afternoon. The five men arrested are all UK nationals, living in London, aged 23-25.

Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said: “This is a hugely complex and large-scale operation, involving local and national policing, the MOD, and local agencies, who are working together to progress the investigation and support for the community.

“I know this has been incredibly disruptive for local people, but I’d like to reassure them that our activity is in the interest of national security, but most importantly in the interest of their own safety.

“I’d also like to thank the emergency services for their response, including the armed officers who first attended the scene, not knowing what they may face.

“I am very aware of the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident, and the geopolitical questions that are being raised. However, I ask that at this time, CTP are given the space to work carefully and clearly.”