Five suspects released on bail after RAF Fairford terror alert
Police say no explosives were found in vans, but petrol was recovered; suspects hail from Camden and Westminster
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Police arrested five British nationals in their mid‑twenties on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism after a farmer in Whelford called 999 at 1.36 am on Sunday, reporting three vans blocking a road near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The men, a 24‑year‑old from Camden and four individuals aged 23 to 25 from Westminster, were taken into custody and released on bail on Monday.
Background to the incident
85 households evacuated after five London men arrested near RAF Fairford
Police cordoned Whelford village and detained the suspects on explosives and terrorism charges; investigation continues
The farmer’s 999 call prompted a rapid police response, establishing a checkpoint close to the airbase that has been used by US bombers for recent operations. Earlier that night, one of the suspects had phoned the police, a detail first reported by The Times. The checkpoint remained in place while officers examined the three vehicles.
Police findings
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of Counter‑Terrorism Policing told reporters that examinations of the vans confirmed the absence of any improvised explosive devices. He added that a quantity of petrol, identified as an accelerant, was recovered and taken as evidence. Taylor said the five men released on bail are subject to strict conditions and remain under investigation.
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We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices have been found. We have found a quantity of an accelerant, petrol, and we have recovered that as part of our investigation.
Laurence Taylor, Assistant Commissioner for Counter‑Terrorism Policing
Political commentary
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on television, said the suspected plot “clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor”, though he declined to give further details. US President Donald Trump later suggested the incident might be linked to Iran and expressed surprise that the suspects were released on bail. The British embassy in Tehran denied any involvement.
Next steps for residents
Taylor indicated that police cordons around RAF Fairford are expected to be removed on Wednesday, and searches of the suspects’ London homes have been completed. Residents near the base who were evacuated are gradually returning to their homes. The investigation continues, with authorities monitoring the bail conditions and pursuing any further leads.
Questions this report answers
+What did police find in the vans near RAF Fairford?
Police recovered a quantity of petrol, identified as an accelerant, but found no improvised explosive devices. The discovery was confirmed by Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who said the evidence will be used in the ongoing investigation.
+Who are the suspects and where are they from?
The five suspects are British men aged between 23 and 25. One is a 24‑year‑old from Camden, and the remaining four are a 23‑year‑old and three individuals aged 24‑25 from Westminster. All were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.
+Why did US officials comment on the case?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the plot “clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor”, reflecting concern over potential foreign involvement. President Donald Trump also referenced a possible link to Iran, though no official link has been confirmed.
+What will happen next for the people living near RAF Fairford?
Police expect to lift the security cordons by Wednesday, allowing residents who were evacuated to return. Searches of the suspects’ London homes are finished, and the investigation will continue while the men remain on bail with strict conditions.
News London Desk
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