Overview
- Police launched a major response after reports of three suspicious vans and masked men near RAF Fairford on Sunday, September 27, triggering evacuations and a 400m cordon.
- Five British men in their 20s were arrested at the scene, searches of the vans found petrol but no explosives, and those five were later released on stringent police bail.
- Counter Terrorism Policing arrested a dual UK–Iranian man in Westminster on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and searched two London properties as the probe widened.
- That dual national was released on bail on Saturday, October 3, while investigators keep multiple lines of enquiry open and continue to examine communications and intelligence.
- The case has prompted diplomatic protests from Iran, public comments from UK leaders pointing to 'strong indications' of Iranian involvement, and reported intelligence sharing with US and Israeli partners, with police warning the investigation is ongoing.