A sixth man arrested over a suspected terrorist plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has been released on police bail, counter-terrorism officers said.
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The 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was arrested in Westminster, London, on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Reuters reported that police also confirmed they had concluded searches at two London properties linked to the investigation.
The investigation into the incident near the military base is underway, police said.
The latest arrest follows the detention of five British men, all in their 20s, near three suspicious vans close to RAF Fairford last weekend. The five were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences before being released on police bail under stringent conditions.
Police said petrol was found in the vans, but no explosive devices were discovered.
Counter-terrorism officers have described the investigation as “hugely complex” and said they were examining multiple lines of inquiry, including the possibility of foreign state involvement.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were “strong indications” of an Iranian link to the incident. US President Donald Trump has also claimed there was a plan to cause “big damage” at the air base, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to the possible involvement of a foreign actor.
Iran has rejected the allegations as baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran over the claims.
RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers taking part in strikes against targets in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed on Thursday that Israel had provided Britain with intelligence about what he described as an “Iranian-sponsored attack”.
