Fairford (HRNW)- British counter-terrorism police have released five London-based British men on bail following their arrest near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire over suspected explosives offences and preparation of a terrorist act. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
According to Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, the five men were arrested early Sunday after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles near the airbase. The suspects had been travelling in three vehicles when armed officers intervened.
The men were initially arrested under the Explosives Act and were later investigated under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act for allegedly preparing a terrorist act. Police said the vehicles underwent extensive examination with support from military and forensic specialists.
Taylor stressed that releasing the suspects on bail does not mean the investigation has ended. The men remain subject to stringent conditions regulating their movements and contact with other people while detectives continue examining multiple lines of inquiry.
Authorities are also examining whether the incident could have involved individuals acting as proxies, knowingly or unknowingly, for a foreign state. Police have said they are considering all possible explanations and have not established that any foreign government was responsible.
The investigation has attracted attention because RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force, including for military operations in the wider Middle East conflict. Around 85 nearby homes were temporarily evacuated during the security operation before residents were allowed to return.
Iranian authorities have denied any involvement in the incident, while British officials have continued to caution against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed.
The arrests and subsequent release on bail come as UK authorities maintain heightened security around facilities connected to US military operations and continue investigating possible threats linked to the wider regional conflict.
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