A sixth man has been arrested in the ongoing counter-terrorism investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford, police confirmed on Thursday afternoon (1 October 2026). This follows our earlier report: Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as police cordon off airbase and arrest several men.
Counter Terrorism Policing said a 27-year-old man — a dual UK and Iranian national — was arrested in the Borough of Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. A second man, aged 26 and a UK national, was questioned under caution, and two properties in the Westminster area were searched as part of the investigation.
Investigation continues into ‘hugely complex’ case
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said: “The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry. As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement. I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation.”
Five men in their 20s — all British nationals from London — who were arrested near the Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours of Sunday 27 September remain on police bail with stringent conditions on their movement and contacts. They were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and, later, preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there are “strong indications that Iran played a part” in the alleged plot. No explosive devices were found in the three vans recovered near RAF Fairford, though a quantity of petrol was recovered. The cordon around the Whelford area was lifted on Wednesday.
RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, is used by the US Air Force and has hosted American bombers during recent operations in the Middle East. Sources: BBC News, The Independent, Counter Terrorism Policing.
