British counter-terrorism police arrest 27-year-old British-Iranian in RAF Fairford base investigation

British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 27-year-old man with dual British-Iranian citizenship, suspected of preparing “terrorist acts,” as part of the investigation into “suspicious” activity near RAF Fairford air base, as Al Jazeera reports.

According to the police statement, the arrest was made this afternoon in London’s Westminster district, under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Officers also questioned a 26-year-old British citizen and searched two properties in Westminster.

“The investigation into the circumstances of the events in Gloucestershire is extremely complex and our specialist teams are examining numerous lines of inquiry,” said Vicki Evans, national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. “As we have made clear, we are examining every angle — including the possible involvement of a foreign state,” she added.

On Sunday, five men in their 20s were arrested near RAF Fairford base, which has long been used by the U.S. Air Force; they were released on bail. Iran has denied any involvement in the alleged plot against the base. Today’s arrest marks an escalation of the investigation that London calls “ongoing and complex.”