Further arrest over RAF Brize Norton break-in

One more person has been arrested over a break-in at RAF Brize Norton in which two military aircraft were damaged.

A 22-year-old man, of no fixed abode, was arrested on Friday in Bedford on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The incident in June saw activists break into the Oxfordshire air base and spray paint on two RAF Voyager planes, causing £7 million of damage. Palestine Action, which has since been proscribed by the government, said it was behind the incident.

The arrest is the seventh to be made by counter-terrorism police over the break-in. Four people have subsequently been charged and remanded in custody.

Amy Gardiner-Gibson, 29, Jony Cink, 24, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 35, and Lewie Chiaramello, 22, were charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage, and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place knowingly for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK, at the start of July.

A 41-year-old woman previously arrested over the incident was released on bail until 19 September, while another man was released without charge.

Footage from the break-in, which occurred in June, showed two people inside the RAF Brize Norton under the cover of darkness. One could be seen riding on a scooter up to a Voyager and spraying paint into its jet engine before riding away.

Palestine Action, which posted the footage online, also said the activists had also used crowbars to damage the planes.

That the activists were able to enter and exit the air base undetected prompted the government to order a review of the security of all UK military bases.

It also laid a motion before Parliament to have Palestine Action proscribed, meaning it is considered a terrorist organisation. Membership of the group and expressing support for it are now criminal offences.

There have been weekly protests across the UK in response to the move to proscribe Palestine Action, at which hundreds have been arrested for supporting the banned group. Critics accuse the government of misusing terror legislation to curtail a direct action group.

Palestine Action has engaged in activities that have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza.

On Wednesday, Palestine Actions founder was granted permission to mount a legal challenge against the proscription, which will take place in November.