British national arrested in connection with RAF Fairford incident

A British man, aged 22, has been detained on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts following an incident near RAF Fairford, according to counter-terrorism authorities. The arrest took place on Tuesday in Westminster, London, as part of the ongoing investigation into the event that occurred close to the Gloucestershire airbase on 27 September. This marks the seventh arrest linked to the case so far, although no charges have yet been filed.

The situation began when police identified three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, prompting a major incident declaration and the evacuation of numerous homes in the vicinity. Early on the day of the incident, five men, ranging in age from 23 to 25, were apprehended near the airbase. Initially held on suspicion of explosives offences, their detention later included preparation of terrorist acts before they were released on police bail. Authorities described this release as an “investigative decision” based on experience and strategic considerations.

Subsequently, a sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual Iranian-British citizen, was also arrested in Westminster on 1 October and later released on bail. RAF Fairford, located near the village of Whelford, has long served as a base for the US Air Force. Recently, the base was used to deploy B-1 and B-52 bombers to the Middle East, following UK approval to utilize the site for defensive strikes against Iran.

However, it was revealed on Sunday that the United States had withdrawn its bombers from RAF Fairford, returning the aircraft to America. US President Donald Trump indicated that the move was made in response to “some threats” directed at the base, though he did not provide further details. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump confirmed the withdrawal was intentional and said: “There were some threats. And rather than tempting the enemy, we’ll capture the enemy and beat the enemy… So we moved them around a little bit. Not very far.” Vice-President JD Vance added that the bombers were relocated “out of an abundance of caution.” These remarks followed media reports, unverified by the BBC, that intelligence had pointed to a potential Iranian drone attack. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Number 10 maintained that RAF Fairford remains secure, highlighting the effectiveness of the UK’s police, defence, and security services

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