US President Donald Trump has expressed surprise after five men arrested in connection with a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford were released on bail. The men were detained in Whelford during the early hours of Sunday, 27 September, on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and further on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
Despite being released on bail, the investigation continues under the direction of Counter Terrorism Policing. Police activity remained ongoing at RAF Fairford on Monday, 28 September, with a cordon established around three vehicles at the base.
RAF Fairford primarily serves as a United States Air Force facility and has operated as the European bomber hub for US operations in Iran and the Persian Gulf in recent months. As a precautionary measure, approximately 85 households in the vicinity were temporarily evacuated, and a local leisure centre was opened to accommodate those unable to stay with friends or family.
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Gloucestershire Police have since announced that the cordon remains in place but residents are now permitted to return to their homes. Authorities emphasise that the release of the suspects on bail does not indicate the conclusion of the investigation.