Fairford, England: British authorities have released on bail five men detained near RAF Fairford, a US‑used airbase in Gloucestershire, as counter‑terror police broaden their inquiry to include the possibility of a foreign state’s involvement in the suspected bomb plot, AFP reported.
The suspects — all British citizens in their mid‑20s from inner London — were taken into custody early on Sunday after three white vans were reported behaving suspiciously close to the base, prompting evacuations and a tight security cordon. On Monday, police said the men would be freed under strict bail terms but warned the case was far from closed.
‘Stringent’ Bail Conditions
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing, said the five would face “stringent” bail conditions and stressed that detectives were pursuing multiple leads.
“This does not mean the investigation is over,” he said, adding officers were “considering this from every possible angle, including that this may be activity committed by proxies, or individuals either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state.”
The update came as Prime Minister Andy Burnham convened an emergency meeting to ensure ministers had “the full picture” of the incident, canceling some scheduled appearances to focus on the unfolding security response.
Tehran Denies Role
Iran moved quickly to reject any connection to the scare at RAF Fairford, which has been used by US forces in operations linked to Tehran, with officials dismissing such claims as baseless.
Trump Questions Bail Decision
In Washington, President Donald Trump weighed in on the bail decision, saying he was “surprised that they released them”, and adding: “I wouldn’t have done that.”
Police have not disclosed the precise bail restrictions but indicated they are designed to limit travel and contact while the inquiry continues. The men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and “preparation of a terrorist act,” and remain under active investigation.