Sixth man arrested in RAF Fairford investigation

A sixth man has been arrested by counter-terrorism police investigating the incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as Iran summoned the British ambassador to protest against the arrests.

The man, a 25-year-old who holds both British and Iranian nationality, was arrested in Westminster, central London, on Thursday on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts, an offence under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The Times reported that he was being investigated as a possible recruiter.

The five men released on bail

Five British men in their 20s, all from London, were arrested in the early hours of Sunday 27 September after three vehicles were seen heading towards the base. They were released on bail on Monday under what counter-terrorism police described as stringent conditions restricting their movements and contact with others.

Police said that no explosives were found when the vehicles were searched, but that officers found a quantity of petrol. Counter Terrorism Policing said: "The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing."

"Strong indications" of Iranian involvement

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has said there were "strong indications" of Iranian involvement in the alleged plot, although he did not give details.

Iran has rejected the claims. Its Deputy Foreign Minister described the allegations as "false and ridiculous", and Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador in Tehran to protest. Iran does not recognise dual nationality for its citizens, so it treats people with both British and Iranian citizenship as Iranian only.

An important base

RAF Fairford, about 100 miles west of London, is a Royal Air Force station used by the United States Air Force. It has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, and during the war involving Iran that began in February.

The UK granted the United States access to the base for what it called defensive operations in March, after initially hesitating over whether to become involved in the conflict.

How terrorism investigations work

Under terrorism legislation, police can hold suspects for up to 14 days without charge, with the approval of a court. Being arrested or released on bail does not mean that a person is guilty of any offence, and suspects may later be released without charge.

Counter-terrorism investigations often involve examining phones, computers and financial records, and can take months before decisions on charges are made. The Crown Prosecution Service decides whether there is enough evidence to bring a case.

Concerns about Iran

British security officials have warned for several years about threats linked to the Iranian state. The head of MI5 has previously said the security service had disrupted numerous plots backed by Iran on British soil, many targeting dissidents and journalists. Several people have been charged in recent years with offences linked to spying for Iran.

Community concerns

Britain has a large Iranian diaspora, including many people who left Iran because they opposed its government. Community groups have urged people not to treat Iranian-born Britons with suspicion because of the actions of a few.

What happens next

The investigation is continuing. Police have asked the public not to speculate about the case, and anyone with information can contact the anti-terrorist hotline in confidence on 0800 789 321.