UK-Iranian dual national arrested over RAF Fairford incident

October 1, 2026 at 09:43 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A 27-year-old UK-Iranian dual national was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with Sunday's incident at RAF Fairford. A 26-year-old UK national was also questioned under caution, and two properties were searched. Five men arrested near the base on Sunday remain on police bail.

Key Facts

A 27-year-old UK-Iranian dual national was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
A 26-year-old UK national was questioned under caution in connection with the RAF Fairford incident.
Five men aged 23 to 25, all UK nationals from London, were arrested near RAF Fairford on Sunday and released on bail on Monday.
Police found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices in vans near the base.
Counter-terrorism police are considering foreign state involvement as a possible angle.

Arrests and Searches

The 27-year-old dual national was arrested in Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. A second man, a 26-year-old UK national, was questioned under caution. Two properties in the Westminster area were searched as part of the investigation. The five men arrested near the base on Sunday, aged between 23 and 25, were released on bail on Monday.

RAF Fairford Incident

Five men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after three suspicious vehicles were reported travelling towards RAF Fairford. The men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Police found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices during searches of vans near the base. RAF Fairford, located 160km west of London, has been used by US bombers during conflicts in the Middle East.

Investigation and Possible Foreign Involvement

Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, said the investigation is 'hugely complex' and that specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry. Evans stated that police are considering 'all possible angles – including foreign state involvement'. The five men released on bail were described by police as an 'investigative decision' grounded in experience and strategy.