British-Iranian man arrested in connection with RAF Fairford incident
UK counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old dual British-Iranian national on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, as part of an investigation into an incident near RAF Fairford. PM Andy Burnham said Iran is believed to have played a part in the events.
UK counter-terrorism police arrested a 27-year-old man holding both British and Iranian nationality in London on Thursday. He is suspected of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Police said a second man, aged 26 and a UK national, has also been questioned under caution. Officers have searched two properties in connection with the inquiry.
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, described the investigation as highly complex, saying specialist teams are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility of foreign state involvement. She thanked the public for its patience during the process.
Background
On September 27, five UK nationals from London were detained after a report of suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, a base used by the US Air Force. They were arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They have since been released on bail but remain under investigation.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC that Britain believes Iran played a part in the incident. Earlier this year, the UK granted permission for the US Air Force to use RAF Fairford for "defensive" strikes against Iran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously warned that British military bases used by the US for such strikes would be considered a "legitimate target."
