Westminster arrest widens RAF Fairford inquiry
Counterterrorism police say the 25-year-old British-Iranian man is the sixth person arrested over suspicious activity near the airbase. Authorities have not set out what may have been planned or the basis for investigating a possible foreign link.
A 25-year-old British-Iranian man has been arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, becoming the sixth person detained in an investigation into suspicious activity near RAF Fairford. UK counterterrorism police also searched two properties in London.
The inquiry began after reports on Sunday of vans parked near the airbase and masked men. Police said searches found petrol but no weapons or explosives. The five men arrested earlier were released on bail subject to conditions.
UK authorities are examining possible foreign state involvement. British officials have indicated a possible Iranian connection, but have not publicly explained the evidence behind that assessment or what the suspects may have been planning. Iran denies any link to the incident.
The newly arrested man’s alleged role has not been publicly explained by police. The five earlier arrests and the latest detention remain part of an ongoing investigation; no charges or names have been reported.
RAF Fairford has been used by the United States for military operations. That background has not established a connection between the airbase’s use and the incident under investigation.
