Counter-terrorism police have re-arrested two men in connection with a security incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire last month. A 24-year-old UK national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national are being held on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023. According to BBC News, the investigation centres on alleged Iranian involvement.
The re-arrests announced on Tuesday follow an incident on 27 September, when police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles near the US airbase in the early hours of the morning. A major incident was declared and dozens of homes evacuated from the surrounding area. Seven men were initially arrested as part of the counter-terror investigation and subsequently released on bail.
What happened on 27 September?
Police responded to reports of suspicious activity near RAF Fairford in the early hours of 27 September. Five men were discovered with petrol in three vans near the airbase and were initially arrested on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act. They were then further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force to launch attacks against Iran since March 2026, making the base a significant strategic location.
Who has been re-arrested?
The two men now re-arrested include a 24-year-old who was initially held on 27 September near the base, and a 25-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts on 1 October in Westminster. The 22-year-old British man arrested on 6 October in Westminster was released on bail under strict conditions, with all seven men arrested in the investigation remaining on bail as of 8 October. The other five men from the original arrests remain on police bail.
What is the investigation's focus?
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, stated that investigators consider it highly likely there is Iranian state involvement in the incident. He explained:
"This is very much a live investigation, and our evidence gathering continues, but at this time our position remains the same; we consider it highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement. Our investigators are continuing to examine what that level of involvement was and the ambition behind it."
The Iranian embassy in London has rejected any connection to the incident. The embassy said it "categorically rejects" suggestions linking Iran to the incident.
Key Facts
- Two men re-arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023
- Original incident on 27 September involved three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford and resulted in evacuation of dozens of homes
- Seven men initially arrested; five remain on police bail while two have been re-arrested
- Counter-terrorism police assess Iranian state involvement as highly likely, though the embassy denies any connection
