UK police find petrol, not explosives, after RAF Fairford terror scare

A British investigation into a suspected bomb plot at an airbase used by the United States military entered a confusing phase on Tuesday after police revealed that no improvised explosive devices were recovered from seized vehicles. Instead, investigators found a “quantity of petrol.”

Authorities had responded to the Royal Air Force base in Fairford, southwest England, on Sunday following reports from a resident who observed several vans acting suspiciously. The incident triggered the evacuation of approximately 85 homes in a nearby village and led to the declaration of a major incident.

Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed the findings during a press briefing. “Those vehicles have been subject to extensive examination… and we can confirm that no improvised explosive devices were found. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered,” Taylor stated. He acknowledged the public reaction, noting, “I understand why this development will have come as surprise to many, but I’d like to reiterate that it was an investigative decision.”

The revelation has fueled speculation that the five men arrested may have been involved in fuel theft rather than terrorism, a theory gaining traction as energy prices rise across the UK. Aerial footage of the vans showed barrels inside, and at least one vehicle displayed a fake logo and phone number designed to mimic a legitimate diesel delivery company. The actual firm, Fuel2U, issued a statement denying any connection to the vehicle or its occupants.

Tensions between the UK and US escalated over the decision to release the five London-based suspects on bail. US President Donald Trump expressed dismay, telling reporters, “I wouldn’t have done that.” Trump claimed he was “surprised” by the bail decision, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a “foreign actor” might be involved. Washington had previously criticized the release.

In response to the diplomatic friction, Iran’s embassy in London issued a statement categorically rejecting and strongly condemning any speculation linking Tehran to the incident.

The scare began when a farmer in the village of Whelford called police after seeing three vans blocking a road and a group of masked men fleeing the scene. Officers arrested the five men, all London residents in their mid-20s, on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing acts of terrorism. Despite their release, police confirmed the men remain under investigation and must adhere to strict bail conditions.

Resident Patricia, 60, from the neighboring village of Kempsford, described the outcome as “very embarrassing.” She told AFP that the world had mistaken the event for a terrorist attack, calling it “a lot of noise for nothing.” Another local resident noted the oddity of the vans appearing in the middle of the night and questioned the severity of the threat given the suspects’ release.

Fairford is a critical strategic asset; in March, Britain granted Washington permission to use the base for defensive operations against Iranian missiles. It is currently the only UK mainland base used for such purposes, with US bombers and other aircraft frequently deploying from the site.

Police stated they had searched homes in London and expected to stand down investigative operations by Wednesday. This incident follows a separate security breach last year at a British military camp, where intruders cut through a fence to steal fuel from a tanker.