A dual UK-Iranian national has become the sixth person arrested in connection with the suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford.
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 as part of the investigation.
The evidence supplied contains differing ages for the arrested man, describing him in separate versions as either 25 or 27. His name has not been released.
Counter Terrorism Policing said a 26-year-old UK national had also been questioned under caution. The force has not said whether that person is among those arrested.
Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested near the military site in Gloucestershire over the weekend on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism. They were bailed under investigation on Monday.
Senior Counter Terrorism Policing national coordinator Vicki Evans said the investigation was “hugely complex” and that specialist teams were examining multiple lines of inquiry.
“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement,” she said.
She thanked the public for their “continued support and patience” while the investigation continued.
Police have said that a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices, was found in 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.
Andy Burnham has said there were “strong indications” that Iran played a part in the suspected plot near the Gloucestershire military base. The evidence does not provide further detail about the basis for that assessment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Thursday that Israel had handed Britain intelligence about the suspected plot. He said Israel warned UK authorities about what he described as an “Iranian-sponsored attack” shortly before Britain announced a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The claims about possible foreign state involvement and the alleged Iranian connection remain part of an ongoing investigation. No explosive devices have been reported as found in the vans, according to counter-terrorism police.
The arrests have also drawn comment from US President Donald Trump. After the original suspects were released on bail, he criticised the decision. The Prime Minister said the UK was working closely with the US and that the authorities had the situation under “the strongest grip”.
Trump later questioned the release again, saying he had been surprised the suspects were freed on bail but adding that he had “a lot of respect” for Scotland Yard and believed its officers knew what they were doing.
The latest arrest and searches in Westminster extend an investigation involving suspected terrorism, possible explosives offences and alleged foreign state involvement. Counter Terrorism Policing said its specialist teams were continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the events in Gloucestershire.
