RAF Fairford Investigation: Petrol Found in Three Vehicles but No Explosives Discovered
British counter-terrorism police have confirmed that a quantity of petrol was found in three vehicles linked to five men arrested near RAF Fairford.
However, investigators said no improvised explosive devices were discovered during extensive searches of the vehicles.
The latest update comes after the five men were arrested early Sunday near the Gloucestershire airbase. They were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offences and later arrested on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.
All five men have since been released on police bail. They remain under investigation and have not been charged.
No Explosives Found in Three Vehicles
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said the three vehicles had undergone extensive examination.
The searches involved military personnel and forensic specialists. Investigators were looking for evidence that could explain why the vehicles were near RAF Fairford and whether they were connected to a planned attack.
Taylor confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found.
However, he said investigators recovered a quantity of petrol from the vehicles.
The discovery is now an important part of the investigation, although police have not publicly established why the petrol was present or what the suspects intended to do with it.
Five Men Remain Under Investigation
The five suspects are British nationals from London and are aged between 23 and 25.
Police arrested them after receiving reports about suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday.
The arrests triggered a major security operation. Roads were closed, residents were evacuated from nearby properties and bomb disposal specialists were brought in to examine the vehicles.
The suspects were later released on police bail with strict conditions covering their movements and contact with other people.
Taylor said the decision to release them was an investigative decision based on police experience and careful consideration of their legal powers.
He stressed that the investigation has not ended.
Police Examine Possible Foreign Links
Counter-terrorism officers are continuing to examine several possible explanations for the incident.
Taylor said investigators were considering whether the suspects could have been acting as proxies for a foreign state, either knowingly or unknowingly.
However, police have not publicly concluded that a foreign government was behind the incident.
US officials have suggested that a foreign actor could be involved. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident was serious and indicated that more information could emerge as the investigation progresses.
President Donald Trump also questioned the decision to release the suspects on bail.
The Iranian embassy in London has denied any connection to the incident.
RAF Fairford Security Operation
RAF Fairford is an important military facility used by the United States Air Force.
The base has been involved in US military operations in the Middle East, including operations connected to the conflict with Iran. That role has increased attention surrounding the investigation.
Following the arrests, security measures were increased around the base and nearby communities.
Police said Tuesday that the scenes around the airfield were being reduced. Investigators expected the remaining security operation to be closed completely by Wednesday as authorities worked to restore normality in the area.
London Properties Also Searched
The investigation has extended beyond Gloucestershire.
Taylor confirmed that police had searched properties in London as part of their inquiries. Those searches have now concluded.
Investigators are continuing to examine evidence collected during the searches and are assessing the circumstances surrounding the three vehicles.
One of the suspects is also reported to have contacted emergency services shortly before the group was arrested. Authorities have not disclosed the reason for the call or linked it to a particular motive.
Investigation Continues
The discovery of petrol but no explosives has added another layer to the RAF Fairford investigation.
Police have not said that the petrol was stolen or explained what it was intended for. They have also not established publicly whether the incident was connected to terrorism, fuel-related criminal activity or another purpose.
For now, the five men remain under investigation on police bail.
Counter-terrorism officers say they are continuing to examine multiple lines of inquiry while reviewing evidence from the vehicles, London searches and the events surrounding the arrests.
No criminal charges have been announced, and investigators have yet to publicly establish the full circumstances behind the incident near RAF Fairford.
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