RAF Fairford 'terror plot' foiled after suspect from London called police

A farmer driving home in the early hours of Sunday morning saw the vans near RAF Fairford, surrounded by men in balaclavas, and alerted police at 1.36am.

However, The Times has reported that the authorities were already on the scene by then following a call from one suspect nearly one hour earlier.

The group’s motives remain under investigation, with police not ruling out surveillance, a “dry run” to test security, or a stunt to send a message to the British government.

Police are also investigating whether the suspect who made the call got cold feet, or whether it was part of the plan.

A major incident was declared by police following the arrest of the five men

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Earlier on Tuesday, properties in London were searched as part of the investigation.

Scotland Yard confirmed the searches of the properties in the capital, as it revealed no improvised explosive devices were found in the three vans, but a “quantity of petrol was recovered”.

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said: “ As part of the investigation, we have searched properties in London which I can confirm have concluded.”

Mr Taylor has said the British nationals were released on bail under “stringent conditions” on Monday but “absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of inquiry”.

He clarified on Tuesday four of the suspects, aged 23, 24, 24 and 25 lived in Westminster and one aged 24 lived in Camden.

Armed police at a checkpoint near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire

PA Wire

On Tuesday he said the vans “have been subject to extensive examination, with the support of military assets and forensic experts, and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.”

He added: “Yesterday we released the five men on police bail. They remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions while we continue our work. The safety of the public is at the forefront of our investigative decision making, and this was certainly the case yesterday.

“I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I'd like to reiterate that it was investigative decision, and one which is grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers.”

US President Donald Trump had earlier said he was “surprised” the group had been freed.

In a TV interview, the top diplomat mentioned Iran by name, pointing out it had threatened to attack US interests, but did not directly blame it for the weekend incident.