Police searching three vans near RAF Fairford in western England found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices, counter-terrorism authorities confirmed. The discovery came after the vehicles were spotted early Sunday morning near the U.S. military-operated base, prompting a major security response.
Five men, all British nationals aged between 23 and 25 and residents of Westminster and Camden, were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses. They were released on bail the following day under stringent movement and contact restrictions as investigations continue.
Incident Details and Police Response
A local resident alerted police to the suspicious vehicles after encountering a blocked road and a group of hooded, masked men. A bomb disposal unit was deployed, establishing a 400-meter cordon around the site. Police emphasized their response was based on a broad range of intelligence, not solely the apparent circumstances of the arrest.
Residents from 85 evacuated homes near the base have since returned, and the police cordon is expected to be fully lifted within days. Searches of the suspects’ homes are complete with no further findings disclosed.
Official Statements and International Reactions
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor described the decision to release the suspects on bail as grounded in investigative strategy and public safety concerns. He acknowledged the incident caused significant alarm, exacerbated by high-profile international commentary. Shortly after the arrests, a U.S. official suggested foreign involvement without presenting evidence, a claim Iran’s London embassy categorically and strongly denied.
The incident followed recent U.S. use of RAF Fairford as a launching point for operations in the Middle East, including strikes against Iran, which Tehran has labeled legitimate targets if attacked from the base.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety
Authorities are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility of proxies acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of foreign powers. UK officials urge caution against speculation while the full facts are being established. A government crisis committee discussed the situation and stressed the priority of public safety and thorough investigation.
