Two men have been re-arrested on suspicion of assisting Iranian state intelligence, following an intensive counter-terrorism investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford last month.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) confirmed on Tuesday that the two individuals—a 24-year-old UK national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, both from Westminster, London—are being held under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
The arrests mark a significant development in a sprawling probe launched after suspicious activity was reported near the Gloucestershire airbase on September 27. CTP officials stated that it is “highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement” in the activities that prompted the initial police response.
The 24-year-old man was first taken into custody near RAF Fairford on the day of the incident, while the 25-year-old was originally arrested in Westminster on October 1. While these two have now been re-arrested on the more serious national security charges, police confirmed that five other men previously apprehended in connection with the same investigation remain on police bail.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, described the case as a “hugely complex” and “live” investigation.
“Since the events at RAF Fairford on Sunday September 27, our specialist teams have been working tirelessly to interrogate the many lines of inquiry involved,” Taylor said. “Our investigators are continuing to examine what that level of involvement was and the ambition behind it.”
The Assistant Commissioner emphasized that national security investigations are inherently sensitive and require time to ensure they are pursued with the necessary rigor.
“From the outset, our priority has been to uphold the integrity of this investigation and hold those who wish to do our country harm accountable,” Taylor added. “We know the public have unanswered questions. I want to be as transparent as possible and when we are in the position to share more, we will.”
RAF Fairford is a key strategic asset in the UK, frequently used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force for deployment and training exercises. The proximity of the suspected intelligence activity to such a high-profile military site has drawn significant attention to the case, highlighting rising concerns regarding foreign state actors operating on British soil.
Authorities have not yet provided further details regarding the specific nature of the suspected assistance provided to the Iranian intelligence service, noting that evidence gathering is ongoing. The public is being urged to remain patient as the “complex” inquiry continues.
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