Authorities investigating the recent terrorism scare outside the Royal Air Force Fairford base in Gloucestershire have arrested a new suspect described as a British-Iranian dual national and have begun searching properties in connection with the incident.
British Counter Terrorism Policing announced Thursday that another individual has been arrested in connection with the RAF Fairford incident “on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.” The new suspect, who was arrested in the Westminster borough of London, is described as a 27-year-old dual national of the United Kingdom and Iran.
“The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry,” Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said in a statement.
“As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement,” She continued. “I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation.”
Five British nationals ranging in age from 23 to 25 were arrested Sunday on suspicion of a terrorist plot near the base. The individuals were targeted for arrest after a local farmer tipped off police to a suspicious group of people meandering near the base, in vans bearing fake business logos. The base has been used by the United States during the war with Iran.
The farmer who tipped off the police told the media that more than five individuals fled when approached.
The Thursday announcement from British authorities also stated that a second, new suspect, a 26-year-old British national, has been questioned under caution but not arrested.
Additionally, two properties have been searched by police in relation to the Fairford incident.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump, were quick to connect the incident to foreign actors — particularly Iran.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham affirmed these suspicions this week when he told the media that “there are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford.”
Tehran has fiercely denounced all claims that the five men have ties to the Islamic Republic, saying Iran “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations.”
Head of national counterterrorism policing in the United Kingdom, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said at a Tuesday press conference that investigators did not find any improvised explosives in their search of the vans, but said they had “found a quantity of an excellent — petrol.”