Update: 30 Sept
Five men arrested in a major counter-terrorism operation near RAF Fairford have been released on bail after UK police confirmed no explosives were found in three suspicious vehicles.
The five British men, aged in their 20s and from London, were arrested after armed police responded to reports of three vans near the Gloucestershire airbase. They were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and subsequently on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
The incident prompted a significant security response, with around 85 households evacuated and military bomb-disposal specialists called to examine the vehicles.
However, Counter Terrorism Policing subsequently confirmed that searches found petrol but no explosives.
All five men have now been released on police bail, although investigators stress the inquiry remains active and the suspects are subject to restrictions.
The development leaves significant questions over what the men were doing near RAF Fairford and why they were travelling in apparently fuel-related vehicles carrying petrol.
One possible explanation is that the activity was connected to fuel theft or another criminal offence. However, police have not publicly confirmed fuel theft as a line of inquiry, and there is currently no evidence establishing that explanation.
Likewise, speculation about possible foreign-state involvement, including an Iranian connection, remains unproven. No charges have been announced and police have not publicly established that the men were acting on behalf of Iran or another state.
The investigation now centres on establishing why the men were near the strategically important US-operated RAF base, the origin and intended purpose of the petrol, and whether any terrorism or national-security offence was actually being planned.
Initial Report
UK counter-terrorism police are investigating an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after five men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September.
Police said they received a call at about 12.45am reporting three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be travelling towards the air base. Armed officers responded and arrested the men in the Whelford area on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. The five were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act. They remained in custody when police issued their statement.
A 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles while an Army explosive ordnance disposal team examined them. About 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution, and a leisure centre was opened for residents who could not stay with friends or family.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior national coordinator, said the investigation was at an early stage and officers were working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances. Gloucestershire Police said the emergency services presence could continue for some time as examinations and evidence gathering proceeded.
Police have not established a motive publicly, confirmed what the vehicles contained, or announced charges. They have asked the public to avoid speculation and to provide any information that could assist the investigation through official reporting channels.
