Counter-terrorism officers have arrested a 25-year-old man in London as part of an investigation into a security incident near the RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire.
The suspect, a dual UK-Iranian national, was detained in Westminster on Thursday, 1 October, on suspicion of the preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
He is the sixth person to be arrested following a security alert involving three vehicles near the military base in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September. While police initially described the suspect as 27 years old, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) later corrected his age to 25.
A second man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution on Thursday but was not arrested.
National Security Concerns
The investigation has drawn significant national attention following comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who stated there are “strong indications” that the Iranian state may have played a role in the incident.
RAF Fairford is a strategically vital site, currently used by the United States Air Force (USAF) for operations involving B-1B Lancer and B-52 bombers. The base has been an active hub for missions in the Middle East amid heightened international tensions.
Earlier Arrests and Security Cordon
The investigation began at approximately 12:45 am on Sunday when three suspicious vans were reported near the perimeter of the airbase. Five British men, all in their 20s, were arrested at the scene in Whelford.
All five men arrested on Sunday remain on police bail while enquiries continue.
According to official updates from Counter Terrorism Policing, the 25-year-old arrested in London remains in custody for questioning.
Police are continuing to appeal for information from the public. Anyone with details that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or to report information online via the official government portal.
