+34
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there are strong indications that Iran was involved in an incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where five men were arrested during a terrorism investigation. The government is working with US authorities, while police continue their investigation. The suspects were released on bail, and Burnham expressed confidence in the security services.
‘Strong indications’ that Iran played role in RAF Fairford incident, says Burnham PM also defends decision to release suspects on bail and expresses ‘complete confidence’ in security services There are “strong indications” that Iran played a role in events in which five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as part of a terror investigation, Andy Burnham has said.
Speaking to the media at the end of the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Burnham said he could not give any more details amid a police investigation, but that Iran was believed to be involved.
“a foreign actor” was involved in the events on Sunday night at the airbase, which has been used by US planes for missions against Iran. In an interview with BBC News, Burnham said: “There are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but of course it remains an ongoing, complex, and serious police investigation.
“And of course, we are working closely with our colleagues in the United States of America. So it’s ongoing. ” Noting that he had held a meeting of the government’s Cobra emergency committee while in Liverpool, Burnham said: “We are on top of it in every possible way imaginable. ” He added: “We will say more in due course, but we can confirm our belief that we believe Iran to have played a part.
” Asked why he believed this, Burnham replied: “Well I can’t go into all of those details, but obviously I wouldn’t say it lightly. ” In a separate interview with Sky News, Burnham was asked if he needed to recall parliament, which is in recess for the party conference season. He replied: “At this stage there is not an urgent need to do that, but should that arise, of course, I wouldn’t hesitate.
” The five men, all in their 20s and from London, were arrested in the Gloucestershire countryside near the airbase after a local woman driving home saw a series of vans and men in masks, and called police. They were first arrested on explosives charges and then later for preparing acts of terrorism.
All five were released on police bail on Monday after an examination of what was found in the vans, and searches of addresses linked to them across London. The decision to release the men has prompted criticism from the Trump administration, with Rubio saying he was “disturbed” by it. Questioned by the BBC about US criticism of the bail decision, Burnham said this had happened only with very strict conditions.
He said: “I think people need to understand that when it says released, that isn’t as people might think. It’s obviously with the strictest possible bail conditions. We’ve been talking to counterparts in the United States all week to explain what is happening here, how things are being done. I have complete confidence in the way British security services are handling this.
”The local woman who also phoned police subsequently told newspapers that she was alarmed the men had been allowed to get so close to the airbase without apparently being noticed.that security services were aware in advance of what was happening. A statement from Britain’s head of counter-terrorism police hinted that officers swooped on the rural location for several reasons.
Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information received, including a call from a member of the public about several vehicles acting suspiciously close to RAF Fairford. ”
Iran RAF Fairford Terrorism Investigation Andy Burnham Arrests
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Five men arrested near RAF Fairford released on police bail as Iran link investigatedFive British men arrested over a suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford have been released on police bail as counter-terrorism police investigate whether a foreign state, possibly Iran, was involved.
Read more »
Five Men Arrested Over Suspected Terror Plot Near RAF FairfordBritish police have arrested and released five British men on bail following a suspected terror plot targeting the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire. Counter Terrorism Policing said the men, aged 23 to 25, were detained on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act. Iran denied involvement after Donald Trump claimed the suspects had been under surveillance and were planning major damage. Police restrictions remain in place as the investigation continues, although a farmer who encountered the men near the base prompted the original emergency response.
Read more »
Local representatives question official accounts after suspected bomb plot at RAF FairfordAmid conflicting statements, local MP and councillors demand answers over how suspects were allowed to enter residential areas of nearby village
Read more »
US President Trump Surprised by Release of Five Men in RAF Fairford Bomb Plot InvestigationBritish police released five London-based men on bail amid a probe into a suspected bomb plot near RAF Fairford, with US President Donald Trump expressing surprise at the decision. Authorities are investigating potential involvement by a foreign state as Iranian officials deny any connection to the security scare.
Read more »