COUNTER-TERRORISM INVESTIGATION EXPANDS
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of an investigation into activity near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The man was arrested in the Borough of Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
Searches of two properties were also carried out in the same area, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
The arrest is connected to an investigation that began after five men in their 20s were arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday, September 27. The five men remain on police bail while investigations continue.
Counter Terrorism Policing later corrected an earlier statement, confirming that the arrested man is 25, rather than 27 as initially reported. Police also clarified that information about a second man being questioned under caution was incorrect and was removed.
POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE FOREIGN -STATE INVOLVEMENT
The latest arrest comes as investigators examine all possible explanations for the events near the military airfield, including possible foreign-state involvement.
Britain’s Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, described the investigation as complex and said specialist teams were examining multiple lines of inquiry.
“The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry,” Evans said in a statement.
“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement.”
Police have not established that Iran was responsible for the incident. Any potential involvement by a foreign state remains part of the ongoing investigation.
SECURITY OPERATION AT RAF FAIRFORD
The investigation follows activity reported near RAF Fairford, a major military airfield in Gloucestershire that has been used by the United States Air Force for bomber operations.
The arrests on September 27 prompted a significant security operation as counter-terrorism officers investigated the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The five men who were arrested on Sunday remain on police bail while investigators continue their inquiries.
Counter Terrorism Policing has appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report it through the UK government’s ACT service or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to examine multiple possible explanations for the events near RAF Fairford.
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