UK-Iranian man arrested in Westminster over RAF Fairford incident released on bail
Searches of two properties in the borough have concluded following the arrest of a 25-year-old.
A 25-year-old UK-Iranian dual national arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts has been released on bail. The man was arrested in the London borough on Thursday. Searches of two properties in the same area have now concluded.
Incident at RAF Fairford
The arrests are connected to a major incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire last weekend. Police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the airbase, leading to dozens of homes being evacuated. Five other men, all UK nationals from London and aged between 23 and 25, were previously arrested in connection with the events. They were released on police bail on Monday.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the events is continuing, police stated. It is understood that one of the five men had contacted emergency services himself about an hour before a farmer alerted police to a group of masked individuals near the vehicles. The men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences before the grounds for arrest were updated to suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
International Reactions
Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a Cobra meeting following the incident. He indicated strong suggestions that Iran had played a part. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement, with the Iranian embassy in London stating it categorically rejects and strongly condemns what it called unfounded and malicious speculations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a foreign actor was involved, telling Fox News that the situation clearly involved the hands of a foreign actor, without providing further details or evidence.
RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, US bombers have departed from the base for the Middle East after the UK approved a US request to use it for defensive strikes on Iran. In July, Iran stated that any base used for aggression against Iranian territory would constitute a legitimate target for its forces.
Questions this report answers
01Who was arrested in Westminster?
A 25-year-old UK-Iranian dual national was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. He has since been released on bail. Searches of two properties in the area have concluded.
02What is the incident related to?
The arrest is linked to suspicious vehicles reported near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire last weekend. A major incident was declared, and several homes were evacuated. Five other men from London were previously arrested and bailed.
03Has Iran commented on the incident?
Yes, Tehran has strongly denied any involvement. The Iranian embassy in London stated it categorically rejects and strongly condemns what it called unfounded and malicious speculations linking Iran to the incident.
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