UK-Iranian dual national released on bail after RAF Fairford arrest
A 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act linked to a suspicious-vehicle incident near RAF Fairford has been bailed, as investigators continue probing the case.
A UK-Iranian dual national arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford airbase has been released on bail. The 25-year-old was detained in Westminster, London, on Thursday, and searches of two properties in the area have since concluded.
Five other men, all UK nationals from London in their twenties, were previously arrested over the same case and have already been released on police bail. Police say the investigation into the circumstances of the incident continues.
What happened over the weekend
A major incident was declared and dozens of homes evacuated after police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire airbase, used by the US Air Force. Five men aged between 23 and 25 were arrested in the early hours after the vehicles were reported heading toward the base. One of the men had reportedly called emergency services himself about an hour before a local farmer alerted police to a large group of masked men near the vehicles.
The men were initially held on suspicion of explosives offences, later upgraded to suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, before being bailed on Monday in what police described as a decision grounded in experience and strategy.
Political reaction
Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting that afternoon and later said there were strong indications of Iranian involvement, without giving further details. Iran has strongly denied any role, with its London embassy rejecting what it called unfounded and malicious speculation.
RAF Fairford has served as a US Air Force forward operating location for decades. In recent months, US bombers have flown from the base toward the Middle East after Britain approved a US request to use it for defensive strikes on Iran. In July, Iran said any base used for aggression against its territory would be considered a legitimate target.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday evening it was clear a foreign actor had been involved, without offering evidence. US President Donald Trump said he would have kept the men in custody and was surprised they were released, adding that the US had worked closely with the UK on the matter.
