Five British men arrested near a US-operated air base in England have been released on bail as UK counter-terrorism police investigate possible links to Iran.
The men were arrested early Sunday after three vans were spotted in the countryside near RAF Fairford, a UK-owned base used by American bombers during conflicts in the Middle East.
The suspects, all British nationals from London and in their 20s, were initially arrested over suspected explosives offences before also being detained on suspicion of preparing an act of terrorism.
Police said they were released on bail Monday under stringent conditions and “absolutely remain under investigation.”
The head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said investigators were pursuing “multiple lines of inquiry”, including whether the suspected offences were committed by “proxies or individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly, working on behalf of a foreign state.”
Investigators have not established whether the incident was state-backed. They are examining possible links to Iran, Russia or non-state militant groups.
Iran has denied involvement. Its embassy in London said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations” about the incident.
British media reported that police had not found viable explosives.
Residents of 85 homes in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated on Sunday while army bomb-disposal experts used a robot to examine the three white vans.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the area was safe following the work of the army’s explosive ordnance disposal team and residents could return home.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was also expected to chair a meeting of the government’s COBRA emergency committee to assess the situation.
US President Donald Trump said the arrests followed cooperation between the US and Britain and claimed the suspects had been “under view” for some time.
British police, however, said the arrests followed a late-night call about “suspicious vehicles” near the base.
A local farmer said she contacted police after seeing three unusually parked vans while driving home late Saturday. She said she also saw “a large group of men,” some with their faces covered, who scattered after noticing her vehicle.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the farmer “did exactly the right thing” by contacting police but had only “a partial view” of the operation.
The arrests come as British authorities warn of threats linked to hostile states, including Iran and Russia.
British intelligence agencies have previously said both countries have used proxies to carry out criminal activity in the UK.
RAF Fairford, about 100 miles (160 kilometres) west of London, has been used by American B-1 and B-52 bombers during operations linked to the conflict with Iran.
Iran has previously said any base used to attack its territory would be considered a legitimate target.
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband described the incident as a “reminder of the threats our country faces.”
The US Air Force said personnel at RAF Fairford “remain vigilant,” but added that “for operational security reasons we will not discuss specific force protection measures.”
The US Embassy in London has also advised Americans in Britain to remain cautious and mindful of their personal security.
Trump, speaking to reporters in Chicago on Sunday, said authorities had the suspects “under view for a long time and we got them.”
“It was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. And working with the British worked out great,” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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