Two men re-arrested for helping ‘foreign intelligence’ in RAF Fairford probe with ‘Iran behind’ activity

Two men have been re-arrested over their alleged involvement in a suspected plot around RAF Fairford.

Counter terror police swooped on the 24-year-old Brit and a 25-year-old dual UK/ Iranian national, both from London, on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The force revealed country to which the investigation relates to is Iran.

The Gloucestershire base and the surrounding villages of Whelford and Kempsford were put on the world map after three white vans were spotted near the safety perimeter.

A farmer claimed she saw hooded and masked men run into the woods near the base, which, until yesterday, housed US fighter jets.

The 24-year-old man was initially arrested on Sunday 27 September near RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, and the 25-year-old was subsequently arrested on Thursday 1 October in the Borough of Westminster, London. 

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said:  ‘Since the events at RAF Fairford on Sunday 27 September, our specialist teams have been working tirelessly to interrogate the many lines of enquiry 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.’

The five other men arrested are still on police bail.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Andy Burnham was ‘barking up the wrong tree’ after the PM first said Iran was behind the plot.

He wrote on social media: ‘I can confirm Iran’s belief that releasing supposed terrorists working for foreign states really says it all.’

This is a breaking news story… More to follow…