Burnham alleges Iran link to RAF Fairford security incident
The prime minister cited “strong indications” of Iranian involvement, while police say they found petrol but no explosives. Five men arrested in connection with the incident have been released on bail.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran played a part in a security incident near RAF Fairford, a base used by the US military in southwest England. The incident, reported on Sunday, remains under police investigation.
Burnham’s allegation is not an established finding. Iran’s embassy in London said it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns” speculation about Iranian involvement.
Five British men arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences were released on bail on Monday. Police said no explosives were found in the vehicles examined, but they recovered a quantity of petrol.
Authorities have not publicly explained the nature of the threat. The source institution, France 24 International, reported that police used a bomb disposal team during the investigation.
The Times reported that one of the suspects may have alerted police before the group was apprehended. Police declined to comment on whether a suspect made a call, leaving that account unconfirmed.
Britain has approved US use of RAF Fairford for strikes against Iran, which the government describes as defensive. Tehran had previously objected to Britain allowing US forces to use its bases.
