Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that no explosives were found in the three vans discovered near RAF Fairford over the weekend, but a "quantity of petrol was recovered" during the investigation. The update was provided on Tuesday evening.
Five men, all described as UK nationals in their early 20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences. They have since been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Police response and findings
The three vans were spotted near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday morning, prompting a major police operation that placed the area under cordon. Dozens of villagers living nearby were evacuated from their homes on Sunday morning and were slowly returning to normal by Tuesday.
Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information that we received."
He added: "This included a call from the member of public about several vehicles acting suspiciously close to RAF Fairford."
Investigation details
Taylor confirmed that the vehicles had been subject to extensive examination with support from military assets and forensic experts. "We can confirm that no improvised explosive devices have been found," he said. "We have found a quantity of an accelerant, petrol, and we have recovered that as part of our investigation."
He also addressed the release of the five men on bail, saying: "They remain under investigation, and they must adhere to very strict conditions." Taylor stressed that "the safety of the public is at the forefront of our investigative decision making."
Political reactions
The police update came hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the suspected plot against the RAF base used by American forces "clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor". In a TV interview, Rubio mentioned Iran by name, pointing out it had threatened to attack US interests, but did not directly blame it for the weekend incident. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement.
Rubio described the events as a "very serious situation" and thanked British authorities for their response. US President Donald Trump had earlier said he was "surprised" the group had been freed.
The five suspects are a 24-year-old from Camden, north London, and a 23-year-old, two 24-year-olds, and a 25-year-old, all from Westminster, central London. Police would not confirm when they are due to answer bail.
