Questions remain after five men released in RAF Fairford scare

British counter-terrorism police are continuing to investigate a security scare near RAF Fairford after five men arrested close to the military base were released on bail. Three vans were found near the base in Whelford on Sunday, after a farmer reported seeing the vehicles blocking a road and masked people leaving the area. Armed officers detained five London-based British men in their mid-20s on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

Police said the vehicles had undergone an extensive examination involving military assets and forensic experts. They have not disclosed the results. The Times and other British media reported that no explosives traces were found, a development that reduced fears of an imminent attack but left the purpose of the vans unclear.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, said the five men remained under investigation. He said officers were keeping an open mind and considering every possible angle, including whether proxies connected knowingly or unknowingly to a foreign state might have been involved. Iran’s embassy in London rejected speculation that Tehran had played a role.

US President Donald Trump said he was surprised the men had been released, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the incident serious and said it clearly involved a foreign actor, without providing details. Security remained in place around the neighbouring village as armed police patrolled the airfield. RAF Fairford has been used by US aircraft for operations connected to Iran after Britain authorised specific defensive missions in March.

Footage showed barrels in the vans, including one bearing a logo and phone number that appeared to imitate a diesel delivery company. The legitimate business named by the vehicle said it had no connection with the van or the people involved and was cooperating with police.