British police say no explosives found in vehicles near U.S.-run base

A surprise decision by the U.K.'s counterterrorism police to release five suspects on bail during an investigation into a suspected bomb plot at a U.S.-operated air force base in England has prompted questions and uncertainty about the incident.

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Police officers guard an area as roadblocks remain in place near RAF Fairford airbase. Police said no explosives were found in the suspicious vehicles after five men arrested were freed on bail. (Toby Shepheard/Reuters)

A surprise decision by the U.K.'s counterterrorism police to release five suspects on bail during an investigation into a suspected bomb plot at a U.S.-operated airbase in England has prompted questions and uncertainty about the incident.

Police confirmed Tuesday that no explosives were found in three vans linked to the suspects, and said the decision to grant bail was grounded in "experience and strategy."

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he was surprised the five young British men who were arrested Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near the RAF Fairford airbase were freed a day later.

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