Updated

Updated · The Guardian · Sep 29

Counter-Terror Police Examine 3 Vans Near RAF Fairford as 85 Whelford Households Return

Updated

Updated · The Guardian · Sep 29

Counter-Terror Police Examine 3 Vans Near RAF Fairford as 85 Whelford Households Return

Q: What did police find in the three vans near RAF Fairford that kept a village under cordon for days?

Police have not publicly confirmed a definitive find from the three vans, but the strongest later reporting indicates no explosive material was ultimately found. That helps explain why the cordon stayed in place for days: officers initially treated the vehicles as a potential explosives and terrorism threat, brought in counter-terror detectives, military bomb-disposal teams and forensic specialists, and carried out what police described as an “extensive examination.” Early reports and some outlets cited suspected explosive devices or materials consistent with improvised devices, but those claims were not confirmed by police. By the time the five arrested men were released on bail, reporting said nothing had been discovered that justified further immediate police action, and it later emerged that no explosive material had been found in the vans. Police have continued to say the investigation remains active and that multiple lines of inquiry are being explored, including possible foreign-state links. So the best-supported answer is that police did not publicly reveal any confirmed bomb or explosives haul from the vans, and later reporting indicates they found no explosive material, despite the seriousness of the initial suspicions.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 29

Three vans remained under police cordon near RAF Fairford on Tuesday as counter-terrorism officers continued examining them after authorities described the incident as a "foreign actor" plot.
About 85 Whelford households evacuated early Sunday were told they could return home on Monday after spending time at a local leisure centre during the precautionary operation.
Some residents still have not gone back, with one telling the BBC they wanted more information and that police were advising people to stay inside their properties and not take photos.
The scene remained active two days after the major police incident was declared around the air base, showing the investigation is still ongoing despite the easing of evacuation measures.