UK Airbase Probe Finds Petrol, No Bombs
Police found a quantity of petrol but no explosives at the Royal Air Force Fairford base in southwest England, after a resident reported suspicious vans.
The discovery triggered the evacuation of 85 homes in the nearby village of Kempsford and the declaration of a major incident. Vehicles seized near the base were examined and confirmed to contain only petrol.
Five London residents were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later released on bail. The case has drawn international attention, with speculation about Iranian involvement and comments from U.S. officials.
Local residents expressed embarrassment over the scare, noting that the incident was a “lot of noise for nothing.” Some suggested the men could have been fuel thieves amid rising energy prices.
The Fairford airbase is used by the United States for defensive operations against Iran, and security at the site was reportedly heightened before the incident.
