Five suspects in RAF Fairford terror probe released on bail

Five British men arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terrorism offences have been released on bail as police probe potential links to a foreign state.
Five British men in their early twenties arrested near RAF Fairford have been released on bail following a major counter-terrorism operation. Intercepted in three vehicles early Sunday morning, the suspects were initially detained under the Explosives Act before being re-arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Counter-terrorism officers confirmed that while petrol was recovered from the vans, no explosive devices were found. Dozens of nearby residents who were evacuated during the security alert have since returned to their homes.
Investigators are examining whether the plot was carried out on behalf of a foreign state, with reports pointing to potential Iranian involvement. Senior police officials stressed that the decision to grant bail was taken to support ongoing investigative inquiries.
Sources: Cyprus Mail, STV News, The Guardian, The Herald, UK Defence Journal.
Sources
- STV News — Five held under anti-terror laws near RAF base as police declare major incident
- The Guardian — Five UK nationals arrested at RAF Fairford released on bail
- UK Defence Journal — Five UK nationals held in RAF Fairford terror investigation
- Cyprus Mail — UK probes foreign state link to suspected RAF Fairford attack plot, suspects released on bail
- The Herald — ‘Quantity of petrol’ but no homemade bombs found in vans near RAF base – police
Earlier coverage
- Oct 7, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCSeventh suspect arrested in UK investigation into RAF Fairford terror plot
- Oct 6, 2026, 04:30 PM UTCSeventh suspect arrested in UK airbase terror investigation
- Oct 5, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCUK probes potential state links in RAF Fairford attack plot
- Oct 5, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCBritish police release suspects on bail following RAF Fairford security alert
- Oct 4, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCUS withdraws bombers from RAF Fairford following terror plot inquiry
- Sep 30, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCPolice find petrol but no explosives in RAF Fairford terror probe
- Sep 29, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCFive British nationals bailed as UK probes foreign link to airbase plot