A sixth man arrested in connection with a suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford has been released on bail, according to Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP). The 25-year-old, a dual UK-Iranian national, was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
The arrest took place on Thursday in the Borough of Westminster, London, where searches of two properties have now concluded. CTP said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Previous arrests and bail decisions
This development follows the arrest of five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism. They were also released on bail. The arrests came after three suspicious vans were spotted near the military site in Gloucestershire last weekend.
Senior CTP national co-ordinator Vicki Evans previously described the investigation as "hugely complex", adding that specialist teams are "interrogating multiple lines of inquiry". She said: "As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement."
Political and international reactions
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated there were "strong indications" that Iran played a part in the incident near the Gloucestershire military base. RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British bases for "defensive" strikes against Tehran during the Middle East war.
Counter-terror police have said a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices were found in the vans that sparked the security alert near the airbase.
Netanyahu and Trump weigh in
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel handed Britain intelligence about the suspected terror plot. He said his country warned UK authorities about the "Iranian-sponsored attack" shortly before Britain's announcement of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump said he was "disappointed" after the five men were released on bail. He told reporters: "We were involved in (the investigation), but as you know, your fellow countrymen let them go. Well, they didn't let them go. They put them out on bail. I assume they haven't watched closely... they should not have done that."
The investigation remains ongoing, with CTP continuing to pursue multiple lines of inquiry into the alleged plot.
