A 22-year-old British national has been arrested in Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts in connection with a security incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Counter-terror police confirmed the arrest, which took place on Tuesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into the events of 27 September.
This latest arrest marks the seventh individual detained in relation to the incident, although no charges have been brought against any of the suspects thus far. The senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing stated that the matter remains a live investigation and that officers are continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry.
The incident on 27 September initially triggered a major alert, resulting in the evacuation of dozens of homes after police were notified of three suspicious vehicles near the airbase. Five men, aged between 23 and 25, were apprehended in the early hours of that morning after their vehicles were observed traveling toward the base. These men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act; they have since been released on police bail, a move authorities described as an investigative decision based on experience and strategy. A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual Iranian-British national, was arrested in Westminster on 1 October and has also been released on bail.
RAF Fairford, located near the village of Whelford, has hosted the US Air Force for decades. In recent months, the base has been used for B-1 and B-52 bomber missions to the Middle East following UK approval for defensive strikes against Iran. On Sunday, it was confirmed that the US had redeployed its bomber fleet back to America. US President Donald Trump attributed the withdrawal to threats against the base, stating, "There were some threats. And rather than tempting the enemy, we'll capture the enemy and beat the enemy."
US Vice-President JD Vance previously stated the aircraft were moved "out of an abundance of caution." While reports suggested the decision followed intelligence regarding a potential Iranian drone plot, these claims have not been verified. A spokesperson for US European Command noted that while it would be inappropriate to discuss intelligence matters, the US will continue to assess the threat environment and maintain a high state of readiness to protect its personnel and assets. Prior to President Trump's remarks, a spokesperson for Number 10 had maintained that RAF Fairford remained safe.
While speaking to a group of reporters outside the White House on Monday, Trump was asked if a "specific threat" had led the US to pull its bombers from the airbase.
He replied: "Yeah I think we can say that. They didn't fly out by accident.
