Key facts
- A 22-year-old British man arrested in connection with a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford airbase has been released on bail.
- Seven men in their 20s have been arrested as part of the investigation into the incident near the airbase.
- No charges have been filed against any of the arrested individuals.
- The arrests were made under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a foreign actor was involved.
- US President Donald Trump stated he would not have released the men on bail.
A 22-year-old British national arrested in connection with a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford airbase has been released on bail, authorities announced. The man was arrested in Westminster, London, under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 as part of an ongoing counter-terror police investigation into an incident near the airbase in Gloucestershire on September 27.
In total, seven men, all in their 20s, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They were initially detained under the Explosives Act before being arrested for preparation of a terrorist act. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that all seven have been released on police bail, subject to stringent conditions regarding their movement and contact with others. The investigation is exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility of involvement by proxies or individuals working on behalf of a foreign state.
The incident prompted a significant police response, with dozens of homes evacuated after three suspicious vehicles were reported near the airbase. A farmer who reported the vehicles described seeing a "large group of hooded and masked men" and believes her call alerted authorities, potentially foiling any plans.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that a "foreign actor" was involved in the events. US President Donald Trump commented on the release, stating he was surprised and would not have released the arrested men on bail.