Counter-terrorism unit says no explosives found in van linked to suspected RAF Fairford terror plot
Counter-terrorism police have confirmed that no explosives were found in a vehicle travelling towards RAF Fairford.
Over the weekend, it emerged that five men had been arrested on suspicion of an Explosives Act offence after several suspicious vans were seen travelling towards the RAF base in Gloucestershire, sparking concern from nearby residents.
The base has been used as a base for the US military to launch attacks on Iran.
A counter-terrorism investigation was promptly launched into the incident, with the five men later released on bail.
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In an update on the case, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor explained the reason behind the move, as well as confirming there were no explosives found in the three vehicles.
"Those vehicles have been subject to extensive examination, with the support of military assets and forensic experts, and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found," he said. "However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.
"Yesterday we released the five men on police bail. They remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions while we continue our work. The safety of the public is at the forefront of our investigative decision-making, and this was certainly the case yesterday.
"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, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers."
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Brenna Cooper