British Police Make Further Arrest in RAF Fairford Investigation
British counterterrorism detectives detained a dual national as they examine possible foreign state links to an alleged incident near an air base.
British counterterrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual British-Iranian national in London on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The arrest relates to a suspected security plot near the RAF Fairford military base in Gloucestershire. Officers detained the man under the Terrorism Act in the borough of Westminster.
Police said they also questioned a 26-year-old British national under caution. Specialist teams conducted searches at two residential properties located in the same central London borough.
The new arrest follows the detention of five men in their 20s near the air base early Sunday. Armed officers intercepted the men in the village of Whelford after reports of three suspicious vans travelling toward the base. Those initial five suspects were later released on police bail under strict conditions governing their movement.
Investigators confirmed they found quantities of petrol inside the three vans but discovered no improvised explosive devices. Searches across several London addresses connected to those suspects also yielded no explosives. British officials said one of the suspects had placed an emergency call shortly before armed police arrived at the scene.
The senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, Vicki Evans, said the investigation remains complex. She said detectives are examining all angles, including potential foreign state involvement. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham noted earlier this week that strong indications pointed toward a role played by Iran.
The air base in Gloucestershire is regularly used by American military aircraft. Senior American officials had publicly criticized the decision by British authorities to release the initial suspects on bail.
Iran has denied any involvement in the incident outside the base. Before police announced Thursday's arrest, the Iranian foreign ministry summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to lodge a formal protest over the allegations.
Counterterrorism detectives said the newly arrested suspect remains in custody as forensic analysis and interviews continue.
