Sixth man arrested in RAF Fairford investigation as Iran denies involvement

Summarised from 22 outlets · 60 reports · Updated 2 Oct, 17:32 · Archive

Counter-terrorism police have arrested a sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national, in connection with a suspected plot near RAF Fairford.

Counter-terrorism police in London arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national on Thursday on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006. The arrest was made in Westminster as part of an investigation into activity near RAF Fairford. Police said they had also searched two properties in the capital.

The arrest is the sixth in the investigation. Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and subsequently on suspicion of terror offences following an incident on a Sunday morning. A local farmer had alerted emergency services after spotting three suspicious vehicles accompanied by a group of masked men. Those five men were later released on bail.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were 'strong indications' of Iranian involvement in the incident. UK, US and Israeli officials have pointed to Iranian involvement but have not publicly released detailed evidence. Counter-terrorism police said they are 'looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement'.

Iran has disputed the allegations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Burnham was 'barking up the wrong tree' and criticised the bail conditions given to the suspects. Iran denied involvement in the incident.

Raf Fairford is used by the US military and has hosted American bombers in recent months. President Donald Trump said the United States would have an 'answer' to the alleged plot, though he did not specify what form that response would take.

How it is being reported

• Trump speaks on US response after Iran linked to alleged RAF Fairford plotPresident Donald Trump said the U.S. is studying a response after Britain linked Iran to an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, where American forces are stationed. Trump said the U.S. would have an “answer” soon, while Iran has denied involvement in the incident.New York Post · 2 Oct, 16:20
• UK arrests British-Iranian suspect over RAF ‘plot’: What we knowPolice investigate 'possible foreign state involvement' as sixth man arrested over RAF Fairford incident.Al Jazeera · 2 Oct, 10:03
• 6th man arrested in RAF Fairford incident has Iranian citizenshipBritish Counter Terrorism Policing announced a sixth man was arrested in London on suspicion of planning an attack at the RAF base in Fairford.UPI · 1 Oct, 21:03
• UK police arrest dual UK-Iranian national over Fairford air base incidentBritish police on Thursday arrested a British-Iranian dual national in connection with the security incident at the Fairford airbase Wednesday. Five other men initially arrested over the incidence were later released without charge on bail.France 24 · 1 Oct, 20:40
• UK police make another arrest in RAF Fairford caseCounter terrorism police said a dual UK-Iranian national was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Five men arrested on Sunday remain on bail.DW News · 1 Oct, 19:44
• British-Iranian man arrested in RAF Fairford investigationA 27-year-old man who is a dual U.K./Iranian national was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.Politico Europe · 1 Oct, 18:59
• UK-Iranian dual national arrested in connection to suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford airbaseBritish police investigating a suspected plot involving an air base used by the US said they had arrested a dual UK-Iranian national on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.New York Post · 1 Oct, 18:52
• Dual U.K.-Iranian national arrested over air base security incidentThe 27-year-old man was arrested in London, and police have searched two properties in the U.K. capital, Counter Terrorism Policing said.CBS News · 1 Oct, 18:43
• British-Iranian man arrested under terror laws over RAF Fairford incidentSixth arrest comes after Andy Burnham said that there were ‘strong indications’ of Iran’s involvementFinancial Times · 1 Oct, 18:15
• Sixth man arrested in connection with suspected RAF Fairford terror plotCounter Terrorism Policing said the UK-Iranian national was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.Evening Standard · 1 Oct, 18:05
• UK-Iran national arrested under Terrorism Act over RAF Fairford incidentCounter-terrorism police arrest 27-year-old in Westminster, while second man questioned under caution Detectives have arrested a dual UK-Iranian national on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of an investigation into a suspected plot near RAF Fairford. Counter-terrorism police said the 27-year-old man was arrested on Thursday in Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Continue reading...The Guardian · 1 Oct, 18:02
• British police arrest UK-Iranian national over airbase incidentCounter-terrorism police also questioned a UK national, days after five others were arrested and released on bail.Al Jazeera · 1 Oct, 17:55
• UK-Iranian dual national arrested over RAF Fairford incident, police sayThe 27-year-old man was arrested in Westminster, London, counter-terror police say.BBC News · 1 Oct, 17:51
• Terror police arrest Iranian, 27, in London raids linked to RAF Fairford plot'We’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement'Metro · 1 Oct, 17:49
• UK-Iranian man arrested on suspicion of terror offences in RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’ probeCounter Terrorism Policing has made a sixth arrest in the RAF Fairford investigation, with a 27-year-old man detained on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.The Mirror · 1 Oct, 17:44
• UK-Iranian man arrested on suspicion of terror offences in RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’ probeA dual UK-Iranian national has been arrested on suspicion of terror offences in the investigation into activity near RAF FairfordThe Mirror · 1 Oct, 17:44
• Dual UK-Iranian national arrested by counter terror police over RAF Fairford 'plot'Counter terrorism police have arrested a dual UK-Iranian national over the suspected terror plot near an RAF base used by the US.Daily Mail · 1 Oct, 17:44
• Sixth man arrested over alleged RAF Fairford bomb plotA sixth man has been arrested in the investigation into an incident near RAF Fairford.The Independent · 1 Oct, 17:41
• Police arrest British-Iranian on suspicion of terror offence following RAF Fairford incidentPolice have arrested a British-Iranian on suspicion of a terror offence following the incident near RAF Fairford. Last Sunday, in the early hours, five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences, and later terror offences. A local farmer alerted the emergency services after spotting three suspicious vehicles accompanied by a group of masked men. MORE TO FOLLOW... TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Our Standards: The GB News Editorial CharterGB News · 1 Oct, 17:38
• Dual UK-Iranian national arrested over RAF Fairford incident, counter terror police sayA man has been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts over the incident at RAF Fairford.Sky News · 1 Oct, 17:35
• 'Suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford is test for Burnham and UK security'OPINION: RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British bases for "defensive" strikes against Tehran during the Middle East warThe Mirror · 1 Oct, 17:01
• All the signs that Iran was behind RAF Fairford ‘terror plot’Criminal proxies activated by Iran may have been behind the alleged plot in what is well a used tactic by the Islamic Republic, experts believeThe i Paper · 1 Oct, 16:19
• UK PM Burnham says Iran likely behind RAF base incident: Is there evidence?UK, US and Israeli officials point to Iranian involvement but remain tight-lipped on details.Al Jazeera · 1 Oct, 14:51
• Iran says Andy Burnham is 'barking up the wrong tree' by claiming country was involved in RAF Fairford 'terror plot'Iran has responded to the Prime Minister's claims, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying Andy Burnham was 'barking up the wrong tree' and criticising the bail of the suspects.Daily Mail · 1 Oct, 10:02
• ‘Strong indications’ Iran played role in suspected Fairford terror plot, PM saysThe UK is working closely with US and the authorities have the situation under ‘the strongest grip’, the Prime Minister insisted.Evening Standard · 1 Oct, 07:30
• UK Prime Minister Burnham says Iran 'played a part' in British air base incidentRAF Fairford has been used as the U.S. Air Force's command outpost for operations from Europe and for American strikes on Iranian missile sites.CNBC · 1 Oct, 06:08
• UK says Iran may be linked to alleged airbase plot, drawing angry denialAndy Burnham says UK has 'strong indications' Iran involved in alleged security incident at RAF base used by US.Al Jazeera · 1 Oct, 03:30
• U.K. PM says ‘strong indications’ Iran involved in airbase incidentIran's embassy in London earlier said it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns" speculation it was involved in the incident near RAF Fairford.The Japan Times · 1 Oct, 02:40
• Iran claims Andy Burnham 'barking up wrong tree' in RAF Fairford 'terror plot'The Iran foreign minister has slammed Burnham for claiming he has "a strong indication that Iran played a part" in the terror plot at RAF FairfordDaily Express · 1 Oct, 01:00
• Iran tells Andy Burnham 'you're barking up wrong tree' over RAF Fairford 'terror plot'Iran's foreign minister has said Prime Minister Andy Burnham is "barking up the wrong tree" after he claim that was "a strong indication that Iran played a part" in the terror plot at RAF FairfordThe Mirror · 30 Sept, 23:25
• PM Andy Burnham: RAF base incident tied to IranThe British government believes that Iran was involved in the incident at RAF Fairford, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said.UPI · 30 Sept, 20:59
• British PM alleges there are 'strong indications' Iran was involved in Fairford airbase incidentUK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday insisted that there were "strong indications" that Tehran was involved in a security incident on Sunday near an airbase in England that the US military uses in its war against Iran. The British government has still not explained the nature of the incident – in which five British men were arrested only to be later released on bail – and no explosives were found at the scene.France 24 · 30 Sept, 20:01
• Strong indications’ Iran linked to suspected UK airbase plotUK Prime Minister says there are ‘strong indications’ Iran played a part in the suspected RAF Fairford airbase plot.Al Jazeera · 30 Sept, 19:09
• UK says Iran involved in RAF Fairford incidentFive men were arrested on Sunday after police received a report of suspicious vehicles near the airbase, which hosts U.S. Air Force personnel.Politico Europe · 30 Sept, 18:38
• Iran is behind ‘terror plot’ at US bomber base in UK, British leader saysIran is believed to be involved in a suspected terror incident at a UK base used by US bombers headed to the Middle East, Britain’s Prime Minister confirmed on Wednesday.New York Post · 30 Sept, 18:14
• Iran behind 'terror plot' targeting RAF Fairford, suggests Andy BurnhamPrime Minister says there are ‘strong indications’ Iran played a part in a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford that has seen five Londoners arrestedEvening Standard · 30 Sept, 17:29
• Burnham says ‘strong indications’ Iran played part in suspected RAF Fairford bomb plotFive British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were bailed under investigation on MondayThe Independent · 30 Sept, 17:15
• U.K. leader says Iran believed to have "played a part" in air base incidentPrime Minister Andy Burnham says U.K. authorities believe Iran "played a part" in the incident over the weekend at an air base used by the U.S. to launch strikes on Iran.CBS News · 30 Sept, 17:07
• Andy Burnham says there are 'strong indications' Iran is involved in RAF Fairford 'terror plot'RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers to launch air strikes against Iran which has been at the centre of speculation about whether it was involved in the drama on Sunday.Daily Mail · 30 Sept, 17:03
• ‘Strong indications’ Iran played role in suspected Fairford terror plot, PM saysThe UK is working closely with US and the authorities have the situation under ‘the strongest grip’, the Prime Minister insisted.Evening Standard · 30 Sept, 17:01
• The mystery 999 call at RAF Fairford that points to one ‘terror plot’ scenarioQuestions still remain as to the motive of the plot after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in the early hours of SundayThe i Paper · 30 Sept, 17:00
• Andy Burnham Says Iran 'Played A Part' In Suspected RAF Fairford Terror PlotA B1 bomber prepares to take off as police officers man a checkpoint near RAF Fairford. Iran “played a part” in the suspected RAF Fairford terror plot, Andy Burnham has revealed. The prime minister said “there are strong indications” that Tehran was involved in the incident. It is the first time the UK government has drawn a direct link between the Iranian regime and the incident, which led to the arrest of five men on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism. That followed the discovery of three suspicious vans near the RAF base, has been used by the American military to launch…HuffPost UK · 30 Sept, 17:00
• ‘Strong indications’ that Iran played role in RAF Fairford incident, says BurnhamPM also defends decision to release suspects on bail and expresses ‘complete confidence’ in security services There are “strong indications” that Iran played a role in events in which five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as part of a terror investigation, Andy Burnham has said. Speaking to the media at the end of the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Burnham said he could not give any more details amid an ongoing police investigation, but that Iran was believed to be involved. Continue reading...The Guardian · 30 Sept, 17:00
• Andy Burnham says 'strong indications Iran played a part' in RAF Fairford 'terror plot'The Prime Minister said investigators believe foreign actors were involved at the incident near RAF Fairford, which has been used by US bombers to launch air strikes against IranThe Mirror · 30 Sept, 17:00
• ‘Strong indications’ Iran was involved in RAF Fairford incident, says BurnhamPrime minister says UK is working closely with US administration following release of five suspects on bailFinancial Times · 30 Sept, 17:00
• Andy Burnham reveals 'strong indication Iran played part' in RAF Fairford incidentAndy Burnham has revealed there are “strong indications” Iran played a part in a major security incident at RAF Fairford. The Prime Minister confirmed the incident remains the subject of an ongoing police investigation after five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing to carry out a terrorist attack. Speaking to GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Mr Burnham said: “What I can say is that there are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend. “It is, though, still an ongoing and very serious police…GB News · 30 Sept, 17:00
• UK believes Iran involved in RAF Fairford incident, Burnham saysThe prime minister's comments come days after the suspects were released on the 'strictest possible bail conditions'.BBC Politics · 30 Sept, 16:59
• Riddle of Fairford 'terror' plot from Trump boast to bail bewildermentAs the investigation into the alleged terror plot against RAF Fairford continues, a number of sharp twists and turns in the story have sparked confusion, including a shock 999 call made by one of the five suspectsThe Mirror · 30 Sept, 14:37
• Watch: Detail about new call to police changes RAF Fairford timelineOne of five men arrested near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday morning had dialled 999 himself, the BBC understands. BBC's UK correspondent Daniel Sandford explains the timeline of events.BBC News · 30 Sept, 13:31
• RAF Fairford police swoop came 'after suspect called 999 himself'The five men arrested in connection with an incident near RAF Fairford have been released on bail as police continue their investigations at the air base used by the US militaryThe Mirror · 30 Sept, 07:43
• Terror probe suspect called police before arrests made near air baseFive British nationals were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism near RAF Fairford on Sunday.Evening Standard · 30 Sept, 07:31
• Suspect in RAF Fairford incident called police before arrestOne of the suspects arrested over an alleged terror plot near RAF Fairford called the police in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to reports.Sky News · 30 Sept, 01:00
• REBECCA CAMBER: The growing pile of unanswered questions in this very curious 'RAF bomb plot' caseThe encounter just 1,000ft from the perimeter of RAF Fairford led to the local farmer warning her neighbours via WhatsApp to lock their doors and contacting the police.Daily Mail · 29 Sept, 23:21
• RAF Fairford suspect called police an hour before farmer raised alarmFive British nationals, all in their mid-20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.Evening Standard · 29 Sept, 22:17
• Police alerted to RAF Fairford after terror suspect 'called 999 himself'A suspect arrested for the alleged bomb plot near RAF Fairford is said to have foiled the plan himself. It has been reported the attack was foiled when one of the five suspects called emergency services in the early hours of Sunday morning. Around an hour later, a member of the public, a local farmer, rang up 999 to alert the police about three suspicious vans and a group of masked men in the area. But police were already understood to be on the scene. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Initial reports said police were alerted at 12.45am but later reports said the local farmer rang the police…GB News · 29 Sept, 22:14
• What we know about RAF Fairford ‘bomb plot’A police alert turned into a potential Iranian “bomb plot” against a British military base used by the US.Al Jazeera · 29 Sept, 21:55
• RAF Fairford plot was foiled after one of the suspects ‘dialled 999’One of the suspects is believed to have called 999 before the farmer saw them (Picture: Getty) The suspected terror plot, which would have attacked RAF Fairford, was intercepted after one of the suspects involved rang the police. One of the five men arrested reportedly called 999 before the group…Metro · 29 Sept, 21:26
• Suspect in RAF Fairford incident called 999 shortly before arrestMotive for the emergency call is unclear, as police continue to investigate incident at air base used by US bombersFinancial Times · 29 Sept, 21:19
• RAF Fairford 'bomb plot' was foiled when 'one of the suspects rang the police on himself'One of the five men arrested close to RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Sunday had called 999.Daily Mail · 29 Sept, 21:09
• RAF Fairford 'terror bomb plot' was foiled after suspect 'called police themselves'Police have been investigating the shocking incident.Daily Express · 29 Sept, 20:17

In this story: Andy Burnham · Abbas Araghchi · RAF Fairford · Iran · United States

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log