Two men arrested over suspected RAF Fairford 'terror plot' are rearrested on suspicion of helping Iran's intelligence service

Two men who were arrested over a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford have been rearrested on suspicion of assisting Iran's intelligence service.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said it was 'highly likely that there is Iranian state involvement' in the activity that took place close to the airbase in Gloucestershire on September 27.

A 24-year-old UK national and a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, both from the borough of Westminster, London, were rearrested today on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under Section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.

The country to which the investigation relates is Iran, CTP said.

The 24-year-old man was initially arrested on September 27 near RAF Fairford and the 25-year-old was initially arrested on October 1 in Westminster.

The other five men arrested during the investigation remain on police bail.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK, said: 'Since the events at RAF Fairford on Sunday September 27, our specialist teams have been working tirelessly to interrogate the many lines of inquiry involved in this hugely complex investigation.

'So far, seven men have been arrested in connection with our investigation.

'As a result of the ongoing efforts of our officers, earlier today two of those men were re-arrested for offences relating to Section 3 of the National Security Act – assisting a foreign intelligence service.

'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.

'Due to their sensitive nature, national security investigations can take time to progress, and I'm grateful to everyone who has given my teams the time and space needed to pursue this work thoroughly and effectively.

'From the outset our priority has been to uphold the integrity of this investigation and hold those who wish to do our country harm accountable.

'We know the public have unanswered questions. I want to be as transparent as possible and when we are in the position to share more, we will.'

Five men were found with petrol in three vans near the airbase, and were initially arrested on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act, and then further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. 

After the incident, Gloucestershire Police said it had received a call about 'three suspicious vehicles' travelling towards RAF Fairford in the early hours of the morning. 

A bomb disposal team was deployed to the area to investigate a number of vehicles, police said previously. 

Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously said the UK government believes Iran 'played a part' in the incident. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.