London suspects released on bail after petrol found in vans near RAF Fairford

National Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed no bombs were discovered, only petrol, and the five suspects remain under investigation.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:50:07 GMT

National Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in three vans seized near RAF Fairford, but a quantity of petrol was recovered. The five London‑based suspects were released on police bail on Monday, remaining under investigation.

What happened

Police were called to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday after a resident reported several vans acting suspiciously. The vans were seized and examined by armed officers, military assets and forensic experts. On Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the examination found no bombs, only petrol. The five men, aged 23 to 25, were arrested on Sunday, held overnight and released on bail on Monday under stringent conditions.

What the reports add

Standard.co.uk reported that the searches of London properties linked to the suspects have concluded, and that the men live in Westminster and Camden. Gulf News noted that the incident prompted an evacuation of 85 homes near the base and that US President Donald Trump criticised the bail decision.

What was said

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told Standard.co.uk, “As part of the investigation, we have searched properties in London which I can confirm have concluded.” He added, “I understand why this development will have come as a surprise to many, but I'd like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision.” Gulf News quoted the same statement, adding that Taylor said the vans “have been subject to extensive examination… and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered.”

How it came about

The incident follows earlier coverage by Felo News on 27 September, which detailed the initial arrests, the evacuation of 85 households and the use of a bomb‑disposal robot that found black barrels in the vans. That earlier reporting highlighted concerns about a possible Iran‑linked plot targeting US bombers stationed at RAF Fairford.

Key facts

No improvised explosive devices were found in the three vans seized near RAF Fairford. (standard.co.uk)
A quantity of petrol was recovered from the vans. (gulfnews.com)
Five men, aged 23‑25, were arrested on Sunday and released on bail on Monday. (standard.co.uk)
The suspects live in Westminster (four) and Camden (one). (standard.co.uk)
Searches of London properties linked to the suspects have concluded. (standard.co.uk)