Key facts
- A 25-year-old UK-Iranian dual national was arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
- The man was released on bail, as were five other British nationals previously arrested.
- No explosives were found in three suspicious vans near RAF Fairford, but petrol was recovered.
- Investigators are probing possible Iranian state involvement.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel had provided UK intelligence warnings of an Iranian-sponsored attack.
Counter-terrorism police have arrested and bailed a sixth man in connection with a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, as investigators probe possible Iranian state involvement.
A 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national was arrested on Thursday, October 1, 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, October 3, that the man had been released on bail, with searches of two properties in Westminster now concluded.
This arrest follows the detention of five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, in the Whelford area near the Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours of September 27. They were subsequently bailed on September 28. All six men remain under investigation and on bail as officers pursue what police have described as a "hugely complex" inquiry.
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.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated 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.