UK counter terror police say no explosives were found in vehicles searched after arrests near a US-run military base.

Head of counter-terrorism policing defends decision to bail five British men arrested in connection with the incidentNo explosive devices were found in three vans searched near RAF Fairford as part of a terrorism investigation but a quantity of petrol was recovered, police have said.Five British nationals were arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning after a resident living near the Gloucestershire airbase reported suspicious activity involving three vans. British police say no explosives were found after arrests near a U.S.-run military base, though officials said "a quantity of petrol" was recovered. LONDON (AP) — British counter terror police have confirmed that no explosives were found in vehicles searched after arrests near a US-run military base.The head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said “a quantity of petrol was recovered” from three vans near RAF Fairford.

Police gave an update Tuesday, explaining their decision to release on bail five suspects who were arrested on terror and explosives charges.U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that he was surprised that the five young British men who were arrested Sunday near the RAF Fairford base were allowed to be freed a day later. “I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump said.The base has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year’s war with Iran.

Counterterror detectives have said they were investigating “multiple lines of inquiry,” including whether the suspects had a link to Iran. Iran has denied involvement.Taylor said that the suspects — all British nationals in their 20s — face stringent conditions and “absolutely remain under investigation.”In an interview with Fox News, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the case “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor,” but did not name a specific country or give more details.“I know a lot of people are disturbed by the news that some of these people have been released on bail, as some of the people are being investigated,” he added.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.

AP’s earlier story follows below.LONDON (AP) — 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 deepened questions and uncertainty about the incident.U.S. Iran has denied involvement.The head of U.K. Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, s…

LONDON (AP) — UK counter terror police say no explosives were found in vehicles searched after arrests near a US-run military base.