Police have confirmed that no explosive devices were found in vans near RAF Fairford, but a ‘quantity of petrol‘ was recovered.
Counter terrorism police gave an update on the major incident at the RAF base over the weekend.
Five suspects, all men aged between 23 and 25, were detained outside RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in the early hours of Sunday morning – but were bailed within 36 hours.
Head of UK counter-terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the decision to bail the suspects was an ‘investigative decision’.
Speaking outside Scotland Yard, Assistant Commissioner Taylor, said: ‘A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information that we received.
‘This included a call from the member of public about several vehicles acting suspiciously close to RAF Fairford.
‘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. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.’
Assistant Commissioner Taylor stressed that public safety was at the ‘forefront’ of decision-making when letting suspects out on bail.
He added: ‘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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