UK airbase scare: police find petrol in vans but no explosives

Police searching near Royal Air Force Fairford in southwest England said they recovered a quantity of petrol from vehicles seized during a security scare but confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found.

What happened

Officers were called on Sunday after a resident reported seeing several vans behaving suspiciously near the airbase. The sighting prompted an evacuation of the nearby village and the declaration of a major incident.

Police findings and statements

National Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor said:

“Those vehicles have been subject to extensive examination… and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.”

Armed officers arrested five men, described in reports as London residents in their mid-20s, on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under anti-terror laws. The men were released on bail on Monday and, according to police, remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions while inquiries continue.

Confusion and reactions

British media reported that one member of the group phoned police about an hour before a farmer called after seeing the vans and the men. Police have not publicly commented on those media reports.

The incident drew attention from the United States, where officials expressed surprise at the release of those arrested. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “surprised” by the decision, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged a “foreign actor” was involved.

Local impact and possible explanations

The scare forced 85 homes in a nearby village to be evacuated, and many residents had to stay elsewhere for at least one night. Aerial footage of the vans showed they appeared to contain barrels, and at least one van carried a fake logo and phone number designed to look like a legitimate diesel delivery firm.

The firm named in reports said on its website:

“Neither the vehicle nor any of the individuals involved has any connection whatsoever with Fuel2U”

and the statement said the company was cooperating with police.

Broader context

Speculation about motive included suggestions the men could be fuel thieves amid rising energy prices, and there were reports that security at the base had been heightened recently. Fairford has been used by the United States for operations into Iran, after Britain gave permission in March for specific defensive operations.

Investigation status

Police said they had searched addresses in London and were hoping to stand down investigative operations on Wednesday as inquiries continued.