Terror police arrest Iranian, 27, in London raids linked to RAF Fairford plot

A white van has been caught on doorbell cam – less than a mile away from RAF Fairford on the night of the terror alert. (Picture: SWNS) Counter terror police investigating the suspected RAF Fairford petrol plot have arrested an Iranian national.

Five Londoners were arrested and since bailed following the discovery of three vans and petrol outside the US base – being used to house US bombers patrolling the Strait of Hormuz.

Two homes in Westminster were raided in connection with the suspected ‘dry run’ for an attack that Andy Burnham said was likely linked to Iran.

Now a 25-year-old dual UK/Iranian national was arrested in Westminster, central London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans said: ‘The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry.

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‘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.’

The ‘mastermind’ is alleged to have recruited and promised to pay five proxies to carry out an operation to cause havoc at the base in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Donald Trump had claimed the so-called Fairford Five had been watched for a long time and their movements were monitored after they were bailed.

Counter-terror police have said a quantity of petrol but no viable explosive devices were found in the vans. Ministers have moved to quash theories the group were there to steal fuel from local farmers.

Burnham previously said: ‘There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but it remains an ongoing, complex and serious police investigation.’

Hitting back at Donald Trump’s anger over the release of the suspects, he added: ‘The authorities have this under, as I say, the strongest grip and the closest control, and I can assure you of that.’

It was initially reported that a farmer driving home in the early hours of Sunday morning tipped off police to the suspicious activity – but police were already on the scene by then, it has been reported.

The suspect’s motive in warning police is also being probed.

It is unclear whether he got cold feet or whether it was part of their plan.

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