A dual UK-Iranian national has been arrested in connection with the suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, becoming the sixth person detained in the investigation.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the man was arrested in the borough of Westminster on Thursday on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Officers also searched two properties in the area.
Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested near the Gloucestershire military site over the weekend on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism. They were bailed under investigation on Monday.
Senior Counter Terrorism Policing national co-ordinator Vicki Evans said the investigation was “hugely complex” and that specialist teams were examining multiple lines of inquiry, including possible foreign state involvement.
“I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation,” she said.
Andy Burnham has said there are “strong indications” Iran played a part in the suspected plot. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also claimed Israel gave Britain intelligence about what he described as an “Iranian-sponsored attack”. Those claims have not been established as facts in the supplied evidence.
Counter-terrorism police have said a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices, was found in the vans that prompted the security alert near the airbase.
RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Tehran during the Middle East war.
The Prime Minister has said the UK is working closely with the US and that the authorities have the situation under “the strongest grip”. US President Donald Trump criticised the release on bail of the original suspects, saying he was surprised they had been released but expressing respect for Scotland Yard.
