Counter-terrorism police re-arrested two men on Tuesday 20 October on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, under section 3 of the National Security Act, in the investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The men are a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old with dual British and Iranian nationality, both from the Westminster area of London. They had been released on bail earlier.
The 24-year-old was first arrested near the airbase on 27 September and the 25-year-old on 1 October. Three suspicious vans had been spotted near the military site on Sunday 27 September, prompting a large police response. Officers found a quantity of petrol in the vehicles but no explosive devices. Seven men have been arrested in all, and the other five remain on police bail.
Official positions
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of national counter-terrorism policing, said it is highly likely that there was Iranian state involvement, that investigators are examining its extent and the intent behind it, and that more will be shared when possible. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were strong indications Iran played a part. US President Donald Trump said he was disappointed when five of the men were released on bail earlier this month.
Former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer had given the United States permission to use British bases for defensive strikes against Tehran during the Middle East war. No charges have been announced.
