Counter-terrorism police have made a seventh arrest in the ongoing investigation into the suspected plot near RAF Fairford, the Gloucestershire airbase at the centre of a major security operation since late September. A 22-year-old British national was arrested in the Borough of Westminster, London, on Tuesday 6 October on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
What Happened
Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed on Tuesday that officers had arrested the man in Westminster as part of the continuing investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford on 27 September. A property in the same area was also searched. The arrest marks the seventh in connection with the suspected plot, though no one has yet been charged.
The original incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday 27 September, when police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the Gloucestershire airbase. Armed officers stopped the vans in the village of Whelford, near RAF Fairford, and detained five men — all British nationals aged between 23 and 25 — on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences. Around 85 nearby households were evacuated as a precaution. No improvised explosive devices were found in the vehicles, though a quantity of petrol was recovered. All five men were released on police bail the following day.
A sixth man — a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national — was arrested in Westminster on 1 October on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts and was subsequently released on bail after searches of two London properties were completed.
Seventh Arrest
Senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said the investigation “remains a live investigation” and that officers continue to “pursue multiple lines of enquiry”. All six previously arrested men remain on police bail pending further investigation. Police have described the inquiry as “hugely complex”.
The latest arrest comes days after the United States Air Force confirmed it had withdrawn its entire fleet of B-1 bombers — believed to number around twelve aircraft — from RAF Fairford, redeploying them to home stations in America. US President Donald Trump confirmed the move was made because of “some threats”, and reports citing US and British officials suggest the withdrawal was triggered by intelligence about a potential Iran-backed drone attack plot against the base.
Background
RAF Fairford, situated near the village of Whelford on the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border, has served as a key US Air Force forward operating location since the Cold War. Since March 2026, the base has been used by American B-1 and B-52 bombers conducting strikes in the Middle East, following permission granted for the US to use British bases for what were described as “defensive” operations against Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps declared in July 2026 that RAF Fairford — as a base used to launch attacks on Iranian territory — constituted a “legitimate military target”. Iran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the Whelford incident, calling the allegations “unfounded and malicious”. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there are “strong indications that Iran played a part” in the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately claimed that Israel provided the UK with intelligence warning of an Iranian-sponsored attack plot ahead of the 27 September arrests.
Lib Dem MP for South Cotswolds, Roz Savage, who has consistently questioned the safety of using a base so close to civilian communities for military operations against Iran, has called for urgent answers from both the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary. She said: “The withdrawal does not make the questions raised by recent events disappear.”
Investigation Ongoing
Counter Terrorism Policing continues to lead the investigation, working alongside Gloucestershire Police and partner agencies. The seventh man arrested on Tuesday remains in custody as enquiries continue. Officers have indicated they are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry, examining both the activities near the airbase on 27 September and the broader network of individuals connected to the suspected plot.
This is a developing story. The Cheltenham Times will provide updates as further details emerge from Counter Terrorism Policing and the ongoing investigation.
