Five men arrested in the early hours of Sunday near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
All five detainees are UK nationals in their 20s. They were initially held on suspicion of terror offences near the base, which operates as a US military facility.
The arrests followed a major incident on 27 September when approximately 85 homes were evacuated in the nearby village of Whelford after police received reports of suspicious vehicles. Military bomb disposal teams attended the scene to examine devices found during the operation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the incident
"clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor", though he did not provide supporting evidence for this assessment. His comments came as the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests remained ongoing.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police are now examining multiple angles as enquiries continue. Investigators will be collecting evidence from the scene, analysing materials recovered during the initial response, and conducting interviews with the five men released on bail. The investigation will determine whether charges are warranted or if the men are released without further action.
Key facts
- Five UK nationals in their 20s arrested on suspicion of terror offences near RAF Fairford on 27 September
- Approximately 85 homes evacuated in Whelford while military bomb disposal teams examined the scene
- All five men released on police bail as investigation continues
- US Secretary of State claimed foreign involvement without providing evidence
