Key Takeaways
- Police found petrol but no explosives at a UK airbase used by the US.
- Five London-based Britons were released on bail after being arrested.
- Speculation about a potential terrorist attack has been dispelled.
A security scare at the Royal Air Force Fairford base in southwest England has been resolved, with police confirming that no explosives were found, but a quantity of petrol was recovered from vehicles seized nearby.
The incident began on Sunday when a resident reported seeing several vans acting suspiciously, leading to an evacuation of the nearby village and the declaration of a major incident.
National Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor stated, 'Those vehicles have been subject to extensive examination… and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.'
The development has raised questions, particularly after five London-based Britons were released on bail on Monday, arrested early Sunday on explosives and terror offences. The US government expressed surprise at their release.
British media reported that a member of the group called police around an hour before a local farmer alerted officers after spotting the men and vans. However, police have not publicly commented on these reports.
The security scare, which forced the evacuation of 85 homes in a nearby village, has been a source of embarrassment for the local community. A resident in the neighbouring village of Kempsford, Patricia, 60, told AFP, 'It was very embarrassing that people around the world thought it was a terrorist attack. But in the end, no — it’s a lot of noise for nothing.'
The airbase, used by the US military to launch strikes on Iran, has seen heightened security recently. Iran’s embassy in London has said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” any speculation that Tehran was involved.
Armed officers arrested the five men — all London residents in their mid-20s — on suspicion of explosives offences and later, ‘suspicion of preparing a terrorist act’ under anti-terror laws. Police said the men ‘remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions while we continue our work.’
Security at the base had reportedly been heightened recently, and the incident has raised questions about the nature of the suspects. Speculation is rife that the men could be fuel thieves, as energy prices rise in the UK.
Those vehicles have been subject to extensive examination… and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.
Laurence Taylor, National Counter Terrorism Policing head
I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I’d like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision.
Laurence Taylor, National Counter Terrorism Policing head
