'Quantity of petrol' but no explosives found in three vehicles near RAF Fairford
Police say the decision to release five men on bail is one "grounded in experience and strategy".
Three vans were spotted near RAF Fairford in the west of England in the early hours of Sunday, prompting a significant security incident at the base, which is operated by the US military. Counter-terrorism police discovered a quantity of petrol during searches of the vehicles but no explosive devices. Five men, all UK nationals in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences.
They were later released on bail the following day, described by police as an investigative decision grounded in experience and strategy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a foreign actor was involved, according to Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing. The police response was triggered by a range of information, including a call from a member of the public about several vehicles acting suspiciously near the base. Taylor expressed hope to close the investigative scenes by Wednesday.
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