Five British men arrested over a suspected terrorism plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been released on bail, while counter-terrorism police continue investigating the incident. The suspects, all London residents in their 20s, were detained after explosives were reportedly found near the US-linked airbase.
Police said the men remain under investigation and are subject to strict conditions governing their movements and contact with others. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, the national head of counter-terrorism policing, stressed that the investigation is continuing and that authorities are keeping an open mind about whether the alleged plot involved proxies or individuals acting on behalf of a foreign state.
RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force for operations connected to Iran. The arrests prompted heightened security around the base, including road closures and an 8km no-fly zone.
Iran’s embassy in London has denied any involvement, describing speculation linking Tehran to the incident as “unfounded and malicious”. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also said he would not draw a connection with Iran while the investigation remains ongoing.
