British police on Sunday said that five men have been arrested "on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act" in connection to an incident near a major air base that U.S. forces use in the southwest of England.

The incident occurred at the Fairford base and the bomb squad has reportedly been called to the scene. 

"A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident," Gloucestershire Police said in a statement. "It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act."