Suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford foiled
The suspected bomb plot targeting RAF Fairford was foiled after one of the suspects made a call to police an hour before their arrest, it has emerged, reports BritPanorama.
One of the suspects is understood to have contacted police early on Sunday before he and four others were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorist offences. They were all released on bail on Monday.
Authorities are investigating whether the men, all British nationals, were acting as proxies for Iran. There are questions about whether the caller had second thoughts or whether the phone call was a part of the overall strategy.
Police discovered a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices in the three vans that sparked a major security alert near the Gloucestershire base being used by the US. Officers received a report from a farmer about “suspicious vehicles” approaching the base at 1:36 am on Sunday.
On Tuesday evening, US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the decision to grant the five men bail. He stated, “We were involved in (the investigation), but as you know, your fellow countrymen, let them go. Well, they didn’t let them go. They put them out on bail. I assume they haven’t watched closely… they should not have done that.”
Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism, described the bail decision as an investigative choice. Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, he confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vans.
He noted, “A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information that we received,” which included the call about suspicious vehicles. Taylor assured the public that the vehicles were extensively examined with military and forensic support, confirming no explosive devices were located.
“We have found a quantity of an accelerant, petrol, and we have recovered that as part of our investigation,” he added. The five suspects remain under investigation and must adhere to strict conditions as the inquiry continues. Taylor emphasized that public safety is paramount in their decision-making, and he understands the surprise surrounding the bail decision, reiterating it was grounded in experience and careful police consideration.
The five suspects include a 24-year-old from Camden, three men aged 23, 24, and 25 from Westminster, and another 24-year-old from Willesden, all in London.
Residents near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, many of whom were evacuated on Sunday, have started returning home as police cordons are expected to be lifted fully by Wednesday.
Concerns regarding Iran’s potential involvement continue, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating in a television interview that the suspected plot “clearly involves the hand of a foreign actor.” He thanked UK authorities for their cooperation during the investigation.
Iran’s embassy in London has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged plot.
