Five Men on Bail, RAF Fairford Still Waiting for the Train

A faint smell of diesel and overdue trains greeted the patrols as the five men were handed their bail papers at 11:45.

They were arrested on charges of explosives and terror, but the Crown Court has decided that, like a missed tube, they may be released pending further inquiry.

Thus, while the air base waits for the next flight of scrutiny, the men will be free, though likely still running late for their next appointment.

The base, a joint UK-US installation on the edge of Gloucestershire, has been described as a quiet place where the only thing that flies is paperwork.

Police spokesperson Laurence Taylor said investigators were keeping an open mind, which, in the world of terror, is as rare as a Sunday morning train that actually arrives on time.

The men, who are still under investigation, are expected to appear at a hearing in early next week, unless they decide to take a detour and catch the next train to the pub.

Security forces have been instructed to keep a polite distance, much like a commuter standing a few steps behind the last platform sign.

The local community has reacted with a mixture of concern and curiosity, some wondering whether the plot involved a bomb disguised as a biscuit tin.

Meanwhile, the RAF Fairford command has issued a statement assuring that the base is fully operational and not at risk of any late arrivals of hostile intent.

As the day winds down, the only thing that remains uncertain is whether the men will return home before the train that never quite leaves the station.