Testing has established that the material found in three vans near RAF Fairford was not viable explosives, and the five men arrested over a suspected plot have been released on bail. The findings alter the immediate picture of the incident, though counter-terrorism police say the investigation is continuing.

The British men, aged 23 to 25 and from London, remain under strict bail conditions while detectives examine whether the incident was a hoax, decoy or possible preparatory run. The vans were parked about 350 metres from the Gloucestershire airbase, and the discovery prompted the evacuation of 85 homes. Iran has denied involvement, while police continue to explore multiple lines of inquiry, including possible hostile state involvement.