UK Prime Minister says Iran likely played role in RAF Fairford incident
There are strong indications that Iran played a role in the incident near a British air base used by U.S. bombers, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said. Five men arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses remain under investigation after being released on bail.
Speaking to BBC News on Wednesday, Burnham said Britain was working closely with U.S. authorities on the investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, southwestern England. He said he had chaired a Cobra emergency meeting.
“It remains an ongoing complex and serious police investigation,” Burnham said. “We will say more in due course but I can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part.”
Burnham did not disclose the evidence behind that assessment or describe Iran’s suspected role.
The five men were arrested early Sunday in nearby Whelford after police received information about suspicious vehicles near the base. They were initially held on suspicion of explosives offenses and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Military personnel and forensic experts examined three vehicles. On Tuesday, Britain’s counterterrorism police confirmed that no improvised explosive devices had been found, although gasoline was recovered.
All five suspects, British nationals aged 23 to 25 who live in London, were released on police bail on Monday. Authorities said they remain subject to strict restrictions while the investigation continues.
Asked about President Donald Trump’s criticism of their release, Burnham said the men were subject to “the strictest possible bail conditions.”
“The authorities have this under, as I say, the strongest grip and the closest control, and I can assure you of that,” he said.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
