Several men detained under the Explosives Act near a British air base used by the US

British police said Sunday they had arrested several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act, while the military examined several vehicles after security was tightened at a British air base used by the U.S. air force in southwest England.

The British government authorized the United States to use RAF Fairford base to carry out strikes against Iranian missile sites that are attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

A Reuters witness said armed police officers were blocking access to the base's main entrance. About 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks, were parked in the town of Fairford, near the base.

"Several properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a serious incident. The move comes after the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act," Gloucestershire Police said in a statement, referring to a village near the air base.

"The Army's specialized explosive ordnance disposal team is currently examining several vehicles."

A spokesman for the US Air Force said they would not comment on specific force protection measures.

"The 501st Combat Support Wing and our other UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our military members, civilians, contractors and their families," the spokesperson stated.

"We constantly evaluate various factors that determine the measures we apply or modify to protect our facilities, our staff and their families."

Britain said in July that its armed forces were prepared to protect the country from any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned against allowing US bombers to take off from Fairford.