British-Iranian man arrested in RAF Fairford investigation

LONDON — U.K. counter-terrorism police have arrested a British-Iranian man on suspicion of terrorism offenses as part of their investigation into an incident at RAF Fairford.

The 27-year-old was arrested in London on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Police also said a second man, 26 and a U.K. national, has been questioned under caution, and officers have searched two properties as part of the investigation.

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 inquiry.”

“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 U.K. nationals from London were detained on Sep. 27 after receiving a report of suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, which is used by the U.S. Air Force.

They were arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and later, preparation of a terrorist act. They have since been bailed but remain under investigation.

On Wednesday, U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC that Britain believes Iran “to have played a part” in the incident.

Earlier this year Britain gave permission for the U.S. Air Force to use RAF Fairford to carry out “defensive” strikes against Iran. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has previously warned the U.K. that British military bases used by the U.S. to launch strikes would be a “legitimate target.”