British counter-terrorism police have confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found during the search of three vans near RAF Fairford, although a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles. The update comes following a major security incident over the weekend that led to the arrest of five men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.
Police Response and Search Operations
The incident began in the early hours of Sunday morning in Whelford, a village located directly east of the airbase. Police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles
by a member of the public. The woman who called 999 told the BBC she had discovered the road blocked by a large group of hooded and masked men
and described her call as “pure luck.”
In response, Gloucestershire Constabulary declared a major incident, and a bomb disposal team was deployed to the scene. Authorities established a 400-meter cordon and evacuated 85 homes in the village.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, stated on Tuesday that the initial response was prompted by a range of information.
He confirmed that the vehicles underwent extensive examination with the help of forensic experts and military assets. While no explosive devices were located, investigators did recover petrol. Police have since completed searches of properties in London and expect to completely lift cordons around the airfield by Wednesday.
Suspects and Bail Conditions
Five British nationals, aged between 23 and 25, were detained on Sunday. Four of the men reside in Westminster and one lives in Camden. The suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
The men were released on police bail on Monday, within 36 hours of their arrest. Assistant Commissioner Taylor described the release as an “investigative decision” that was grounded in experience and strategy
and a careful consideration of policing powers
. He emphasized that the safety of the public remained the primary concern during the decision-making process. The suspects remain under investigation and are subject to “stringent conditions” regarding their contact with others and their movements.
International Context and Diplomatic Reactions
RAF Fairford serves as a forward operating location for the US Air Force, including B-1B Lancers. The base has recently been used for defensive strikes on Iran after the UK approved a US request. In July, Iran stated that any base used for aggression against its territory is a legitimate target.
The incident has drawn significant international attention:
- United States: Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated it was clear a “foreign actor” was involved, mentioning Iran by name in a television interview, though he did not provide evidence. President Donald Trump told journalists he was “disappointed” the suspects were released on bail and confirmed the case had been a “long-standing investigation.”
- Iran: The Iranian embassy in London “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” what it termed “unfounded and malicious speculations” linking the country to the event.
- United Kingdom: Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting on Monday and urged the public not to speculate while facts are established.
Assistant Commissioner Taylor noted that police are exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including whether individuals or proxies were working on behalf of a foreign state. He added that public anxiety had been heightened by the international commentary
surrounding the case.