Two Latvian men have been arrested after being found inside the perimeter of RAF Molesworth, a military base in Cambridgeshire used by US personnel.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the men, aged 32 and 36, were detained at approximately 2am on Thursday, 8 October. Both are UK residents.
Ministry of Defence Police patrols had discovered an abandoned vehicle near the base at about 10pm the previous evening. Further searches, involving Cambridgeshire Constabulary, revealed a small breach in the perimeter fence.
Investigation under the National Security Act
The men were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage.
Police subsequently arrested them on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, concerning entry into a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
Both remained in custody when police issued their statement on Thursday. The statement announced arrests, rather than criminal charges.
ITV News reported that officers were also searching two addresses in the Peterborough area.
Specialist explosive disposal officers checked the abandoned vehicle after it was taken to a police location. Nothing of concern was found, and precautionary cordons affecting nearby roads were lifted.
No link established to RAF Fairford
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said investigators were examining why the men had entered the site.
She stressed that inquiries were at an early stage and detectives were keeping an open mind.
Police said there was nothing at that stage to suggest a connection with the separate investigation involving RAF Fairford.
Base hosts US and NATO intelligence operations
According to Reuters, RAF Molesworth hosts intelligence analysis and command operations, including a NATO intelligence centre. It is not used for flying operations.
The Associated Press reported that US European Command acknowledged the incident but declined to discuss specific security measures.
The command said it would continue assessing threats and taking appropriate steps to protect personnel and military installations.
