A UK-Iranian dual national was arrested Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts connected to an incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and has been released on bail. The 25-year-old man was detained in Westminster after police searched two properties in the area.
The arrest follows a major security incident last weekend when three suspicious vehicles were reported near the US Air Force base, prompting evacuations of dozens of homes. Five UK nationals aged 23 to 25 were arrested early Sunday after vehicles were spotted traveling toward the base. One of these men called 999 himself about an hour before a local farmer alerted police to a large group of masked men near the vehicles. All five were subsequently released on police bail Monday in what police described as an "investigative decision" grounded in experience and strategy.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting in response. He said there were "strong indications" that Iran had played a part in the incident but provided no further details. Iran categorically rejected the assertion, with the Iranian embassy in London saying the claims were "unfounded and malicious speculations."
RAF Fairford has served as a US Air Force forward operating location for decades. In recent months, US bombers have departed the base for the Middle East following UK approval for US defensive strikes on Iran. In July, Iran stated that "any base used for aggression against Iranian territory constitutes a legitimate target for our forces."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News on Monday that a "foreign actor" clearly had been involved in the weekend events, without providing evidence. US President Donald Trump said he would not have released the five men on bail and expressed surprise at their release, stating "we would not have released them." He added that the UK had worked with the US very closely on the matter.
Police said the investigation into the circumstances is continuing.