UK police make another arrest in RAF Fairford case

UK police make another arrest in RAF Fairford case October 1, 2026Police in the United Kingdom on Thursday said that another man had been arrested as part of the investigation into Sunday's security incident at a US-run air base in Gloucestershire. The arrest of the dual UK-Iranian national came after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC there were "strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford." Iran's embassy in London earlier said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" speculation it was involved while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Burnham was "barking up the wrong tree." What police have said Counter terrorism police said that a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was arrested in London "on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006." They said that a second man who is a UK national was also questioned under caution and that searches of two properties had taken place. "The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry," said Counter Terrorism Policing's Vicki Evans. "As we've made clear, we're looking at all possible angles — including possible foreign state involvement. I'd like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation," Evans said. Sunday's events at RAF Fairford Five men in their 20s, all from the London area and with British citizenship, were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terror offenses close to the RAF Fairford air base, which has been used by American bombers to strike Iran. They were wearing face coverings. Police seized three "suspicious" white vans and evacuated around 85 households in the vicinity, bringing in bomb disposal teams. Police said a quantity of petrol was but no explosive devices were found in the vans. The suspects have since been released on bail in a move questioned by US President Donald Trump. Edited by: Zac Crellin If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google, so you'll always see our verified news first.