UK-Iranian national arrested in RAF Fairford investigation released on bail

A UK-Iranian national arrested in connection with a suspected terror incident at RAF Fairford has been released on bail, police have said. 

The 25-year-old man was arrested in Westminster on Thursday on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Searches of two properties in the same area have now concluded, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, CTP added.

Five UK nationals in their mid-20s were also previously arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism and have since been bailed.

It follows three vans being seen close to the military site in Gloucestershire over the weekend of 27 September.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said there were "strong indications" Iran played a part in the incident.

Iran has said accusations it was involved were baseless and on Thursday summoned the British ambassador in Tehran.

After the decision to release the five arrested suspects on bail, US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the development.

In response, counter terror police said it was an "investigative decision" that was "grounded in experience and careful considerations of policing powers".

They added that no explosives were found in the vehicles, but a quantity of petrol was recovered.

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Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said on Thursday: "The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.

"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."

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 war.

(c) Sky News 2026: UK-Iranian national arrested in RAF Fairford investigation released on bail