UK-Iranian man released on bail in suspected plot involving RAF Fairford

Fairford, United Kingdom. British counter-terrorism police said on Saturday they had released on bail a dual UK-Iranian national arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. The investigation concerns a suspected plot involving RAF Fairford, an air base in western England used by US bombers for raids against targets in Iran.

Arrest and searches

The 25-year-old man was detained on Thursday over the incident last weekend. Police confirmed his release and said searches at two properties in London had concluded.

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing,” police said in a statement.

Five men previously detained

The incident near Fairford began in the early hours of last Sunday, when five British men in their 20s were arrested near three vans on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences.

They were later released without charge on police bail “under stringent conditions”. Detectives said petrol was found in the vans, but no improvised explosive device was present.

Possible foreign involvement under investigation

Counter-terrorism police have described the investigation as complex and said they were considering whether a foreign state had been involved. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday that the incident might have had an Iranian link.

US President Donald Trump said there had been a plan to cause “big damage” at the air base. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to the “hands of a foreign actor” in the incident.

Iran said accusations of its involvement were baseless and summoned the British ambassador in Tehran on Thursday over the issue.