A police robot utilized a controlled explosion to open the doors of one of three vans found near an RAF base in Gloucestershire during a counter-terrorism operation. Video footage from a resident's security camera shows a fireball erupting from the rear of one of the vans, followed by a plume of smoke. Aerial footage captured earlier depicted the bomb disposal robot examining the vans, two of which had their rear doors open, revealing large black items inside, while the third remained shut despite the robot's attempts to access it.
Five men, aged between 23 and 25, were detained near RAF Fairford amid concerns they might have been wearing suicide belts, but they were released on bail within 36 hours. The suspects, all from London, remain under investigation according to Counter Terrorism Policing, while Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
A local resident expressed surprise at the suspects' release on bail, noting that villagers were not allowed to return home until hours later. The incident reportedly began when one of the suspects called police, prompting an armed response. Police later confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vans, although a quantity of petrol was recovered.
A farmer had alerted authorities after noticing suspicious activity around the vans, including what she described as eight to ten masked individuals. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining whether the incident was a genuine threat or a message to British and US authorities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the seriousness of the situation, suggesting foreign involvement.
Residents from approximately 85 evacuated households were allowed to return home on Monday, although a police cordon remained around the vehicles as investigations continued.