Rubio says foreign actor was ‘clearly’ behind suspected RAF Fairford plot

Armed police outside RAF Fairford. The suspects’ release on bail suggests detectives believe it is unlikely they were on the brink of a mass casualty attack. Photograph: Neil Hall/EPA

A counter-terrorism operation near RAF Fairford in the UK was mired in confusion on Tuesday after police released five suspects on bail, prompting concern and surprise from the US president and secretary of state.

Five British nationals from London were detained on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism after three suspicious vans were reported to police in the early hours of Sunday, outside the base in the village of Whelford, Gloucestershire.