Five suspects bailed as UK police investigate alleged plot near RAF Fairford

British counterterrorism police are questioning the circumstances surrounding an alleged bomb plot near RAF Fairford, an air base in western England used by U.S. forces for operations against Iran.

Five British men from the London area, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested near the base early Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses. Police released them on bail Monday under what counterterrorism chief Laurence Taylor described as stringent conditions, stressing that all five remain under investigation.

Authorities continued examining three vehicles near the base, where a police cordon remained in place Tuesday. Residents evacuated from the surrounding area have begun returning after officials said the scene was safe. British media reported that no explosives were found in the vehicles, but police have not publicly detailed what investigators recovered.

Taylor said officers were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including whether proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly acted for a foreign state. The British government and police have not confirmed a foreign connection.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident “clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor” but provided no evidence or further details. President Donald Trump criticized the suspects’ release and said they might be connected to Iran.

Iran’s embassy in London categorically denied involvement and condemned speculation linking Tehran to the case. British officials urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.