Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the Explosives Act arrests, which prompted a major incident near RAF Fairford early on Sunday, ITV News understands.
A major incident was declared, with armed police manning a cordon near the village of Whelford in Gloucestershire, near the site of the airbase which is used by the United States Air Force (USAF).
The police operation near the village of Whelford in Gloucestershire was not intelligence-led, meaning investigators had not known about any potential plot in advance.
Villagers have been evacuated from their homes near RAF Fairford following the arrest of several men on suspicion of explosives offences, police said.
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