Counter-terrorism police have confirmed that no explosive devices were found during searches of three vans near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, though a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles. The security alert began in the early hours of Sunday morning after a resident in Whelford, a village lying directly east of the base, reported suspicious activity to emergency services.
Police Confirm Petrol Recovered and No Explosives Found Near RAF Fairford
The informant, who called 999, stated that she arrived home to find the road blocked and encountered a large group of hooded and masked men, adding that it was pure luck she spotted them. A bomb disposal team arrived shortly afterwards, and a 400m (1,312ft) cordon was established. The incident also prompted the deployment of elite SAS troops from Hereford and led Prime Minister Andy Burnham to chair an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday afternoon.
Arrests, Bail, and Suspect Details
Five men were detained at the scene on suspicion of explosives offences and later terrorism offences. Police confirmed that all five suspects are British nationals aged between 23 and 25. The group comprises a 24-year-old from Camden, north London, alongside a 23-year-old, two 24-year-olds, and a 25-year-old from Westminster, central London. Home searches for all five suspects have now been completed.
Within 36 hours of their detention, the men were released on police bail. Laurence Taylor, the head of Britain’s Counter Terrorism Policing, defended the decision as an investigative decision grounded in experience and strategy, noting that public safety remained at the forefront of the decision-making process. Taylor added that the bail terms are subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others while the investigation continues.
International Reaction and Local Evacuations
The release of the suspects drew sharp criticism from American officials. US President Donald Trump stated that he was disappointed the group had been freed and referred to the men as terrorists. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly claimed that the situation involved the hand of a foreign actor, though he did not provide immediate evidence. Assistant Commissioner Taylor acknowledged that public worry had been heightened by international commentary.
Investigators are exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including whether proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state were involved. The Iranian embassy in London categorically rejected and strongly condemns speculations linking Iran to the incident. RAF Fairford has recently been utilized as a forward operating location for US bombers following UK approval for specific defensive operations into Iran.
Locally, the security alert caused significant disruption. Eighty-five households were evacuated from Whelford on Sunday, with residents taking shelter with families, staying in hotels, or utilizing a Cotswold district council rest centre in Cirencester and a local leisure centre. Residents began returning to their properties, and police cordons around the airbase are expected to be completely lifted.