British Police Arrest 22-Year-Old National Over Unexplained Security Incident Near RAF Fairford

Armed police maintain road blocks and security checks around RAF Fairford on September 28, 2026 in Fairford, England [Leon Neal/Getty Images] British police have arrested a 22-year-old British national on suspicion of a terror offense linked to the security incident near a UK airbase hosting US warplanes on September 27. Counter Terrorism Police state that the individual is connected with activity that took place close to RAF Fairford.

In an official statement, police confirmed that the arrest was made on suspicion of the preparation of terrorist acts. Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for counterterrorism policing, stated that detectives continue to pursue multiple lines of inquiry and remain committed to investigating all possible angles.

This development marks the seventh arrest connected to the incident over the past two weeks, which largely remains unexplained. Previously, six individuals arrested on suspicion of terrorism regarding an alleged plot against the base were all released on bail.

The US relocated its B-52 and B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford on Sunday, though uncertainty remains regarding whether the move is directly connected to the ongoing arrests. On Monday, US President Trump explained that his administration withdrew B-1 bombers from the site due to specific threats. He noted to reporters that moving the aircraft alleviates the threat, adding without elaboration that the perpetrators would be linked to Iran.

US President Donald Trump returns a salute upon disembarking from Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on October 5, 2026 [KENT NISHIMURA/AFP] British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the UK sees strong indications that Iran played a part in the incident, though he provided no further details.

Iran has denied any involvement in the matter, although the nation has previously maintained that it considers any military base used to attack its territory a legitimate target.