Counter Terrorism Policing has made a sixth arrest in the investigation into the suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford — a 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national detained in Westminster, London, on Thursday 1 October 2026.
The man was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Officers also searched two properties in the Westminster area as part of the investigation. His name has not been released, in line with standard police practice ahead of any charges being made.
The five British nationals — all in their mid-20s — who were arrested near Whelford, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Sunday 27 September remain on police bail. Counter Terrorism Policing said they are subject to “stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others”.
The cordon that had been in place around three suspicious vans near the airbase was lifted on Wednesday, allowing residents previously evacuated from around 85 homes to return. Police confirmed that no explosive devices were found in the vehicles — only a quantity of petrol was recovered.
Britain’s Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, described the investigation as “hugely complex”, adding: “We’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday there are “strong indications” Iran played a part in the incident near the Gloucestershire military base, though he did not disclose the basis for that assessment. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanch rejected the claims as “false and ridiculous”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately claimed Israel had shared intelligence with the UK about the plot ahead of the incident.
RAF Fairford, near Cirencester, has been used by US Air Force bombers for operations against Iran since earlier in 2026.
Sources: Counter Terrorism Policing, Gloucestershire Live, Al Jazeera, The Independent, Euronews.
This follows our earlier report: Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as police cordon off airbase and arrest several men.
