UK-Iranian RAF Fairford terror suspect bailed as Westminster addresses searched

Police officers guard an area as roadblocks remain in place near RAF Fairford airbase, after police declared a major incident at the base and arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, who have since been released on bail, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, Britain, September 29, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Shepheard

A UK-Iranian national held following the suspected terror incident at RAF Fairford has been released on bail. 

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.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) revealed they had searched two properties in the same area.

EMBARGO 12.05 HRS BST 30/09/2026 A white van has been caught on doorbell cam - less than a mile away from RAF Fairford on the night of the terror alert. The vehicle was spotted at 11.15pm on Saturday passing a home travelling towards the airbase. Three vans later sparked a major incident in the early hours of Sunday morning. A huge emergency service presence has remained around base after the local area was evacuated due to a suspected bomb threat. The footage of the van was found by a local resident. Photo released 30/09/2026

Five UK nationals in their mid-20s have also been bailed following their arrest on suspicion of explosives offences and terrorism.

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US President Donald Trump criticised the decision to release the five men, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisting their bail conditions were being the ‘tightest possible’. 

Mr Burnham also said there were ‘strong indications’ Iran played a part in the incident. Iran has denied the accusation.

The incident happened after a farmer reported suspicious activity near the base in Gloucestershire over the weekend of September 27.

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

CTP swooped on three vans, arresting the five males. Police said no explosives were found in the vehicles, but a quantity of petrol was recovered.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, CTP added.
RAF Fairford has been used in recent months by US bombers flying missions to Iran.

On Thursday, CTP senior national coordinator Vicki Evans said : ‘The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.

FAIRFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: A B1 Lancer bomber sits on the tarmac at RAF Fairford on September 28, 2026 in Fairford, England. Police declared a major incident on Sunday following the arrest of five men on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act near RAF Fairford, a military base that hosts U.S. Air Force bombers involved in the Iran conflict. Eighty-five homes were evacuated from Whelford, a village about one mile from RAF Fairford, as the Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team investigated vehicles in the area. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

‘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.’

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Original source UK-Iranian RAF Fairford terror suspect bailed as Westminster addresses searched

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