1st October, 2026 | News

RAF Fairford Terror Plot: Sixth Suspect Arrested in London

A 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national has been arrested in London in connection with an alleged terror plot near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, becoming the sixth person detained as part of the investigation.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the man was arrested in Westminster, central London, on Thursday afternoon, October 1, 2026, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.

The arrest follows an incident near RAF Fairford, where five men in their 20s were arrested early on Sunday after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles in Whelford, a village near the airbase.

The five men remain on police bail as the investigation continues.

Second Man Questioned by Police

Counter Terrorism Policing also confirmed that a 26-year-old UK national has been questioned under caution.

Police have searched two properties in the area as part of their investigation into the incident.

Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, described the investigation as “hugely complex” and said specialist teams were pursuing multiple lines of inquiry.

She said officers were examining all possible angles, including possible foreign state involvement.

Evans also thanked members of the public for their continued support and patience while the investigation continues.

No Explosives Found in Vehicles

Police previously said that no explosives were discovered in the vehicles connected to the incident.

However, officers recovered a quantity of petrol.

The five men arrested on Sunday were later released on police bail following what counter terror police described as an investigative decision based on policing powers and careful consideration.

US President Donald Trump subsequently expressed surprise at the decision to release the suspects on bail.

Iran Involvement Being Investigated

Authorities are continuing to investigate whether a foreign state may have been involved in the incident.

The possibility of Iranian involvement has been raised publicly. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Wednesday there was a “strong indication” that Iran may have been involved.

Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed that Israel had provided Britain with intelligence concerning the suspected terror plot.

The claims form part of an ongoing investigation, with police continuing to examine multiple possible lines of inquiry.

Why RAF Fairford Is Significant

RAF Fairford has attracted increased attention in recent months because it has been used by US bombers.

According to the report, former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the United States permission to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Tehran during the Middle East war.

The latest arrest brings the number of suspects detained in connection with the RAF Fairford incident to six, while another man has been questioned under caution.

Counter Terrorism Policing has said the investigation remains ongoing.