The US secretary of state offered no evidence for his claims, and also said many people were ‘disturbed’ that the five suspects had been released on bail

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.