Sixth arrest in RAF Fairford terror inquiry as police examine possible Iranian link
A dual UK-Iranian national is held in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts; the five men arrested near the airbase on Sunday remain on bail.
Counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, the sixth arrest in the investigation into a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford.
Officers arrested the man in Westminster on Thursday afternoon and searched two properties in the capital. A 26-year-old British national was also questioned under caution, meaning the interview was recorded and could be used in any future prosecution.
Five British men in their 20s, all from London, were arrested in the early hours of Sunday near the Gloucestershire airbase on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences and were later released on police bail. Police said they found a quantity of petrol in three vans linked to the men, but no explosives.
As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles - including possible foreign state involvement.Vicki Evans, Counter Terrorism Policing
Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said: "As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles - including possible foreign state involvement." She described the investigation as hugely complex, with specialist teams interrogating multiple lines of inquiry.
The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that there were "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident. Iran has denied any involvement, and on Thursday summoned the British ambassador in Tehran in response to the accusations.
RAF Fairford is used by the United States Air Force, and American strategic bombers have flown missions from the base. The investigation continues and no charges have been announced against any of the six people linked to the inquiry.
None to date. The Journal corrects errors promptly and transparently. Read our corrections policy.
