Sixth suspect arrested in RAF Fairford terror investigation

Counter Terrorism Policing said the latest arrest follows earlier detentions of five men near the Gloucestershire base.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:15:05 GMT

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced that a dual UK‑Iranian national has become the sixth person arrested in connection with the suspected RAF Fairford terror plot.

What happened

The man, described as a dual national, was taken into custody in the Westminster borough on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. CTP also said officers searched two properties in the area as part of the investigation. Earlier, a 26‑year‑old UK national was questioned under caution, and five British men in their mid‑20s were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism near the RAF base over the preceding weekend before being released on bail.

What the reports add

Standard.co.uk published two separate stories about the sixth arrest. One article listed the suspect as 27 years old, while the other gave his age as 25, creating a discrepancy in the reported age.

Both pieces quoted senior CTP national co‑ordinator Vicki Evans, who said the investigation is “hugely complex” and that “all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement” are being examined.

The articles also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the bail releases, saying he was “surprised they were released on bail” and expressing respect for Scotland Yard while questioning the decision.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted as saying Israel had warned UK authorities about an “Iranian‑sponsored attack” shortly before Britain announced a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham was cited as saying there were “strong indications” Iran was involved in the incident near the Gloucestershire military base.

What was said

“The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of inquiry. As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement. I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation.” – Vicki Evans, senior CTP national co‑ordinator, Standard.co.uk

“I was surprised they were released on bail. I have a lot of respect, however, for Scotland Yard. I think they know what they’re doing. But I was a little bit surprised.” – Donald Trump, commenting on the bail releases, Standard.co.uk

“Israel handed Britain intelligence about the suspected terror plot.” – Benjamin Netanyahu, Standard.co.uk

“There are strong indications Iran played a part in the incident near the Gloucestershire military base.” – Andy Burnham, Standard.co.uk

How it came about

The latest arrest follows a series of earlier actions linked to the RAF Fairford plot. On 28 September, Felo News reported the initial detention of five London‑based men after a farmer alerted police to masked individuals and three vans near the base (uk-nationals-arrested-raf-fairford-terror-plot). Subsequent coverage detailed a suspect calling emergency services before the arrests (raf-fairford-terror-plot-suspect-call) and confirmed that only petrol, not explosives, was found in the vans (raf-fairford-petrol-discovery). Prime Minister Andy Burnham later suggested strong indications of Iranian involvement (andy-burnham-iran-raf-fairford-plot). The new sixth arrest adds another layer to the ongoing probe.

Key facts

A dual UK‑Iranian national was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. (standard.co.uk)
Two properties were searched as part of the investigation. (standard.co.uk)
Senior CTP coordinator Vicki Evans said the probe is highly complex and includes possible foreign state involvement. (standard.co.uk)