International
NO EXPLOSIVES FOUND IN VANS NEAR RAF FAIRFORD AS UK TERROR PROBE CONTINUES
British counter-terrorism police have confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in three vans searched near RAF Fairford in Gloucester...
By Wavers Multimedia
A quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests of five British men near the military base.
FIVE MEN REMAIN UNDER INVESTIGATION
The five men, all British nationals from London and aged between 23 and 25, were arrested early on Sunday on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing an act of terrorism.
They were later released on police bail under strict conditions and remain under investigation.
Police said the decision to release them was an investigative one based on their assessment of the case. The release does not mean the investigation has been concluded.
NO EXPLOSIVE DEVICES FOUND
The three vans were subjected to extensive examination involving counter-terrorism officers, military personnel and forensic specialists.
Police have now confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found.
However, petrol was recovered during the searches, while investigators have also carried out searches at properties in London.
The vehicles had displayed the branding of a legitimate fuel company, which has denied owning them.
INVESTIGATORS EXAMINE POSSIBLE FOREIGN-STATE LINKS
Police are examining multiple lines of inquiry, including whether the activity could have involved individuals acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state.
Counter-terrorism officials have said they are keeping an open mind about the circumstances and possible motive.
A possible link to Iran has been examined amid wider tensions surrounding the region, but British authorities have not established that Iran was responsible for the incident.
Iran has denied any involvement.
SECURITY OPERATION AFFECTED LOCAL RESIDENTS
The investigation led to a major security operation around Whelford, a village near RAF Fairford.
About 85 households were evacuated while specialist teams examined the vehicles and surrounding area.
Residents have since been allowed to return home as the security operation is scaled back.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
RAF Fairford is a British military base that is also used by the United States and has a long-standing strategic role.
The latest incident has attracted international attention because of the base's use by US military aircraft and the wider geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
For now, the five suspects remain under investigation, while police continue examining the vehicles, recovered material and possible links surrounding the case.
No explosives have been found in the vans, and authorities have not announced any charges against the five men.