Sixth Man Arrested and Bailed as Iran Link Investigated
Counter-terrorism police have arrested and bailed a sixth man in connection with the suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, as investigators probe possible Iranian state involvement in the incident.
A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national was arrested on Thursday 1 October in the Borough of Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed on Saturday 3 October that the man had been released on bail, with searches of two properties in Westminster now concluded.
The arrest came days after five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were detained in the Whelford area near the Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours of 27 September and subsequently bailed on 28 September. All six men remain under investigation and on bail as officers pursue what police have described as a “hugely complex” inquiry with multiple lines of inquiry.
No Explosives Found — Only Petrol
Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the three vans spotted near RAF Fairford on the night of the incident. However, a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles, which had prompted an armed police response and the evacuation of around 85 households as a precaution.
Iran Connection and International Reaction
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday that there are “strong indications” of Iran’s involvement in the incident, though the investigation remains ongoing. Iranian officials have firmly denied any connection, with the deputy foreign minister calling the claims “false and ridiculous”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Thursday that Israel had provided British intelligence warning of an “Iranian-sponsored attack” shortly before the incident. The UK and US governments are reported to be working closely together on the investigation.
RAF Fairford, which has been used by US Air Force bombers in recent months, is considered a high-profile potential target given its strategic role in UK-US military operations.
This follows our earlier report: Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as police cordon off airbase and arrest several men.
Sources: Counter Terrorism Policing, The Guardian, Manchester Evening News, The Telegraph
