One of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford called 999 himself

One of five men arrested near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday morning had dialled 999 himself, the BBC understands.

The five were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later terrorism offences after three vans were spotted, sparking a major security incident around the Gloucestershire base which the US military operates.

Police say a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices were found during searches of the vans.

Police were alerted to "three suspicious vehicles" in Whelford, a village which lies directly east of the base, by the farmer.

"I believe that my 999 call foiled whatever plans they had," she said.

A bomb disposal team arrived on scene shortly afterwards and a 400m (1,312ft) cordon was put in place.

Police cordons near the base are expected to be completely lifted on Wednesday, while residents from the 85 homes evacuated on Sunday have been allowed to return to their properties.

Taylor previously said their bail was "subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others" as they remained under investigation.

"I understand why this development was surprising to some, but I would like to reiterate that this is an investigative decision and one which is grounded in experience and strategy."

In recent months, US bombers have taken off from the base for the Middle East, after the UK approved a US request to use it for defensive strikes on Iran.

Taylor has said officers are exploring "multiple lines of inquiry", including whether proxies or individuals knowingly or unknowingly working on behalf of a foreign state were involved.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting on Monday afternoon and urged people "not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts".