Man arrested in Fairford air base investigation released on bail
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A B‑1B Lancer bomber arriving at RAF Fairford airbase, after police declared a major incident at the base and arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, on Sept 29.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- A 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was released on bail after being arrested over a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford air base used by US bombers.
- Five British men were also arrested near the base with petrol found in their vans, but no explosives; they were released on bail under strict conditions.
- Authorities are investigating possible foreign involvement, with US officials suspecting Iran, which denies the accusations and summoned the British ambassador over the claims.
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LONDON – British counter-terrorism police investigating a suspected plot involving an airbase used by the US said on Oct 3 they had released on bail a dual UK-Iranian national who had been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
The 25-year-old man was detained on Oct 1 over the incident last weekend involving the RAF Fairford base in western England, from where US bombers have taken part in raids against targets in Iran.
Police confirmed he had now been released, and searches at two properties in London had concluded.
“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing,” police said in a statement.
The incident near Fairford began in the early hours of Sept 27 when five British men in their 20s were arrested near three vans on suspected terrorism and explosive offences.
The men were later released without charge on police bail “under stringent conditions”, and although detectives said petrol was found in the vans, no improvised explosive device was present.
Counter-terrorism police, who have described the investigation as complex, said they were considering whether a foreign state had been involved, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Sept 30 it might have had an Iranian link.
US President Donald Trump has said there was a plan to cause “big damage” at the airbase, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also pointed to the “hands of a foreign actor” in the incident.
Iran has said accusations it was involved were baseless and on Oct 1 summoned the British ambassador in Tehran over the issue. REUTERS