Counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian citizen on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts as part of an investigation into an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The arrest follows the detention of five London men in their 20s near the air base on Sunday over suspected terrorism and explosives offences. They were later released without charge on police bail.
A second British man, aged 26, has been questioned under caution, while searches have been carried out at two properties in connection with the investigation.
Police are examining whether a foreign state was involved. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident might have had an Iranian link, while Iran has rejected the accusations as baseless and summoned the UK ambassador in Tehran.
RAF Fairford is used by the United States, whose bombers have in recent months launched missions against Iran. The investigation has raised concern among allies, although much of what happened near the base remains unexplained.
Vicki Evans, the UK’s senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the inquiry was “hugely complex” and involved several lines of investigation.
“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement,” she said.
Police mounted a major operation in the early hours of Sunday after receiving a range of information, including an alert from a local farmer who became suspicious of men seen near the base in three vans.
The Times reported that one of the men had called emergency services shortly before the arrests. Detectives have confirmed that petrol was found in the vans, but no improvised explosive device was discovered.
Burnham said the UK was working closely with the United States. US President Donald Trump said those involved had planned “big damage”, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to the possible involvement of “the hands of a foreign actor”.
