Britain in shock: suspected terrorists detained at airbase - and released on bail

British police released on bail five men arrested on September 27 near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack. Three vans containing explosives were found in a car park near the base. The suspects are British citizens aged 23 to 25. The decision to release them has surprised the media, especially given official statements about the seriousness of the incident. Police remain "open to all versions," including possible Iranian involvement.

British police released on bail five men arrested on September 27 near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack. Three vans packed with explosives were found in a car park near the base. The suspects are British citizens, young residents of London aged 23 to 25. The decision to release them has surprised British media, especially given official statements that this was a "very serious incident." The head of the counter-terrorism police, Laurence Taylor, said the investigation is not complete and the suspects must comply with strict restrictive conditions. Investigators are checking whether they acted on behalf of a "foreign state." Iran has officially denied any involvement. The incident occurred after a local farmer noticed a group of men in balaclavas near three vans on a quiet country road late at night and called the police. Prime Minister Andy Burnham convened the emergency Cobra committee to discuss the situation.