This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated by our reporters as the breaking news story develops
Counter terror cops have arrested an Iranian national in connection with the RAF Fairford “bomb plot.” The 27-year-old man, a dual UK/Iranian national, was arrested in on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in the the Borough of Westminster, London.
A second man, 26, who is a UK national, has also been questioned under caution, cops said. Searches of two properties have also been carried out in the same area.
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans said: “The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.
“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.”
Five men in their 20s, who were arrested on Sunday 27 September, remain on police bail.
The latest arrest comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran had played a part in the alleged bomb plot, which happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Counter-terror cops searched three white vans found blocking a road near RAF Fairford after a farmer rang 999 after spotting “something very strange” in a nearby village.
Around 85 homes in nearby Whelford were evacuated as armed cops descended on the scene.
But experts questioned the threat posed to the military site – used by US bombers to launch attacks on Iran – since the case took a bizarre twist and it emerged the first call to cops was made by one of the detained suspects.
They suggested it may have been “some kind of exercise” involving police, intelligence or security personnel safeguarding the RAF base, experts claimed. Gloucestershire Police said no bombs – only fuel – was found and all five were released on bail.
US President Donald Trump said it was a “longstanding operation” and the UK police “should not have” freed them.
Counter Terrorism Policing is appealing to anyone with information which may assist the investigation to report it via gov.uk/ACT or by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
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