Counter‑terrorism police have re‑arrested two men as part of an ongoing investigation into suspicious vehicles found near RAF Fairford late last month, and say the evidence so far makes Iranian state involvement highly likely. The probe has already led to seven arrests, the deployment of a bomb disposal unit and the evacuation of dozens of homes.
What has happened
Police were alerted at 00:45 BST on 27 September to reports of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the US airbase in Gloucestershire. A major incident was declared and a bomb disposal team examined a number of vehicles. Petrol was discovered in three vans close to the base, prompting the arrest of five men at the scene.
- Seven men in total have been arrested as part of the counter‑terrorism investigation.
- Two men — a 24‑year‑old British national and a 25‑year‑old dual UK‑Iranian national — have now been re‑arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
- Police later said they did not find improvised explosive devices in the vehicles.
The re‑arrests announced on Tuesday relate to a man first detained near the base on 27 September, and a second arrested on 1 October in the Westminster borough on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Another man, a 22‑year‑old British national, was arrested in Westminster on 6 October and, alongside the remaining suspects, remains on police bail.
Police assessment and investigation
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, described the probe as "very much a live investigation" and said specialist teams were continuing to gather evidence and pursue multiple lines of enquiry. He told reporters that investigators considered it "highly likely" there was Iranian state involvement and were examining both the extent of that involvement and the possible ambition behind it.
"This is very much a live investigation, and our evidence gathering continues, but at this time our position remains the same; we consider it highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement."
Initial arrests at the scene were made under the Explosives Act, and some suspects were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. Police confirmed petrol had been found in three vans near the airbase, but that no improvised explosive devices were located during searches.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 27 September | Initial reports and arrests | Call received about three suspicious vehicles; bomb squad deployed; several arrests made; petrol found in three vans |
| 1 October | Further arrest | 25‑year‑old dual UK‑Iranian national arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts |
| 6 October | Additional arrest | 22‑year‑old British national arrested in Westminster; remains on police bail |
| 20 October | Re‑arrests announced | 24‑year‑old and 25‑year‑old re‑arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service |
Implications and next steps
Authorities say the investigation remains sensitive and complex, with counter‑terrorism teams continuing forensic and intelligence work. The suggestion of involvement by a foreign state intelligence service elevates the inquiry beyond a conventional domestic terrorism probe and has potential diplomatic ramifications, although police have not detailed the precise nature of the alleged assistance or identified specific targets.
Local residents were temporarily displaced while searches took place and the presence of armed forces assets at RAF Fairford — frequently used by visiting US aircraft — adds to the national security concern. Investigators are expected to continue questioning those arrested, pursue forensic leads from the vehicles and follow international intelligence channels as part of their assessment.
Police emphasised that investigations of this kind can take time because of their scale and the need to protect sensitive material and methods. The remaining suspects are on bail while enquiries continue.
