Overview
- Five British men were arrested near RAF Fairford on the night of Sept. 26–27 on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and were later released on bail under strict conditions.
- Police forensic teams working with military experts found no improvised explosive devices in the three vans but seized a large quantity of petrol from the vehicles.
- Investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry that include fuel theft, a test or rehearsal of security, a symbolic action and the possibility of acting for a foreign state.
- U.S. officials publicly signalled concern and some UK leaders have pointed to signs of foreign involvement while Iran has categorically denied any role.
- Searches have continued in London and Gloucestershire and police say the national-security probe could last weeks and may involve specialist legislation to establish motive and attribution.