Five men have been arrested and are being held in custody as part of a counter-terrorism investigation unfolding near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The arrests followed a major incident declared after police received a report of three suspicious vehicles heading towards the airbase in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Gloucestershire Police confirmed they were alerted to the vehicles at approximately 00:45 BST. The nature of the threat has not been disclosed, but the operation is being led by counter-terror police, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

As a precautionary measure, residents in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated from their homes. They have been taken to a local leisure centre while the ongoing investigation takes place. Details regarding the specific activities or individuals involved in the suspicious vehicles have not yet been released by authorities.

The proximity of the incident to RAF Fairford, a strategically significant Royal Air Force station, has raised concerns. The base has been utilized by the U.S. Air Force for operations, including launching attacks on Iran since March.

Further information is expected as the investigation progresses. Police have not provided an estimated timeline for when residents might be able to return to their homes or when more details about the arrests will be made public. The focus remains on ensuring the security of the area and the base.

Authorities are urging the public to avoid the vicinity of the incident to allow emergency services and investigators to carry out their work unimpeded. The counter-terrorism unit's involvement underscores the potential gravity of the reported suspicious activity.

This incident has led to a significant police and military presence in the area surrounding RAF Fairford. The cordon established to secure the scene is impacting local travel and access.

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from official sources. The public is advised to follow guidance from Gloucestershire Police and other relevant authorities.