Counter terror police investigating the suspected RAF Fairford petrol plot have arrested an Iranian national.
Five Londoners were arrested and since bailed following the discovery of three vans outside the US base.
Homes in London were raided in connection with the suspected ‘dry run’ for an attack that Andy Burnham said was likely linked to Iran.
Now a 27-year-old dual UK/Iranian national was arrested in Westminster, central London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
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A second man, 26, who is a UK national, has also been questioned under caution.
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans said: ‘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.’
Counter-terror police have said a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices were found in the vans that sparked the security alert near the airbase.
Burnham previously said: ‘There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but it remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation.’
Hitting back at Donald Trump’s anger over the release of the suspects, he added: ‘The authorities have this under, as I say, the strongest grip and the closest control, and I can assure you of that.’
It was initially reported that a farmer driving home in the early hours of Sunday morning tipped off police to the suspicious activity – but police were already on the scene by then, it has been reported.
The suspect’s motive in warning police is also being probed.
It is unclear whether he got cold feet or whether it was part of their plan.
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