Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran was involved in a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, while stressing that the police investigation was ongoing. Five British men in their mid-20s were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism after three vans were found near the Gloucestershire base on Sunday; all were later bailed. The case matters because RAF Fairford has recently been used by US bombers involved in strikes against Iran, and investigators are examining possible links to Iranian activity in Britain.

Iran’s London embassy has denied involvement, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and ambassador had previously warned about UK bases being used in strikes. One van bore apparently false “Fuel 2You” branding, and observers questioned its red logo and the spacing of its phone number; these details have attracted attention but do not establish who was responsible. A farmer reported the vans to police at 1.36am, and one of the men reportedly contacted police about an hour earlier; a security-camera video showed a police robot opening a van, followed by a fireball and smoke.