British police declare a “major incident” near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, evacuating residents from nearby homes and arresting several men on suspicion of explosives and terrorism-related offences after a suspected security scare involving vans near the base.

RAF Fairford is used by the United States for operations, including strikes against Iranian missile sites. Police say vehicles were examined and no improvised explosive devices were found, but investigators recovered a “quantity of petrol.” Reporting also says the arrests involve five London residents in their 20s, who are questioned while police continue investigations.

Outlets differ on how the scare is interpreted. Some reports cite claims by US officials and political figures that Iranian involvement was alleged or suspected, while others note that UK investigators have not publicly confirmed motives. Additional accounts describe tip-offs that led police to the site, including reports that a suspected plot participant may have called officers and that a local resident alerted police after seeing masked men and vans. Iran’s embassy and Iranian officials publicly reject claims of involvement. Further details also include reports that US bombers were temporarily recalled from the base following the incident, and that the suspects’ release on bail drew criticism.