Counter-terror police have launched a major investigation after the arrest of a UK-Iranian dual national in London on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism linked to an incident at RAF Fairford.
The 27-year-old man was taken into custody in Westminster, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing probe into security breaches at the Gloucestershire airbase. In a coordinated move, officers also questioned a second individual—a 26-year-old UK national—under caution, while search warrants were executed at two properties in the London area.
The arrests are directly connected to an earlier security alert that saw five men, all in their twenties, apprehended near the perimeter of RAF Fairford on Sunday. Those five individuals remain on police bail as inquiries continue.
Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, confirmed that investigators are keeping an open mind regarding the motive behind the incident. Significantly, she indicated that authorities are scrutinizing “all possible angles,” including the potential for foreign state involvement. The mention of foreign actors has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of the site, which is frequently used by the US Air Force for strategic operations.
RAF Fairford has been a focal point for increased security in recent years due to its role in hosting long-range bombers and conducting critical reconnaissance missions. The presence of suspected terror activity in the vicinity of such a sensitive military asset has prompted an urgent review of security protocols at defense installations across the country.
“We are in the early stages of a fast-moving and complex investigation,” a police spokesperson said. “While we understand that these events may cause significant public alarm, we are working closely with intelligence partners to establish the full nature of the activity. We are determined to ensure that all those involved are identified and brought to justice.”
The arrests have triggered a flurry of activity in Westminster, with heavy security cordons reported in the areas where the warrants were executed. Forensic teams are currently combing through the two properties for digital devices and documents that might shed light on the detainees’ activities and potential connections to external organizations.
The five men initially arrested on Sunday were stopped by security personnel near the airbase, leading to the immediate mobilization of counter-terrorism units. Their continued status on police bail suggests that, while they remain under active investigation, police are currently gathering evidence to determine if charges should be brought.
As the investigation continues to unfold, officials have declined to provide further specifics regarding the exact nature of the “preparation of terrorist acts,” citing the sensitivity of the ongoing operation. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity near military sites.
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