Two Latvian Men Arrested After Security Breach at RAF Molesworth, Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate

Counter-terrorism officers have launched an investigation following a security breach at RAF Molesworth, a sensitive military installation in Cambridgeshire that hosts United States intelligence operations and a Nato intelligence hub.

Two Latvian nationals, aged 36 and 32, were detained inside the perimeter of the base after a section of fencing was discovered to have been compromised, according to the Metropolitan Police. Both men are understood to reside in the United Kingdom.

The alarm was triggered late on Wednesday evening when a security patrol operated by the Ministry of Defence Police spotted an abandoned vehicle near the site at approximately 22:00 BST. A subsequent search of the area revealed a small breach in the perimeter fence, prompting a wider security response.

Several hours later, authorities confirmed that the two suspects had been apprehended within the boundaries of the base. They were initially taken into custody on suspicion of trespassing on a prohibited site and criminal damage, with officers from Cambridgeshire Police assisting in the search operation. The pair were transported to a local police station for questioning.

The case was subsequently escalated when the men were re-arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023. This provision covers entering a prohibited place for a purpose that is prejudicial to the interests of the United Kingdom, a serious charge that underscores the gravity with which authorities are treating the incident.

Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Policing London unit, confirmed that her team is handling the investigation. She sought to reassure the public by stating that officers are not currently drawing any connection between this incident and the high-profile security scare at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire the previous week.

"We're very aware of the recent heightened interest and concern around military sites, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest this incident is connected to the events at RAF Fairford last week," Flanagan said. She nonetheless emphasised that the inquiry remains in its "very early stages" and that investigators are keeping an open mind regarding the men's motivations.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police are conducting searches at two residential addresses in the Peterborough area. Flanagan indicated that determining why the men were present at the site is a central focus of the inquiry, while cautioning against premature conclusions.

RAF Molesworth holds strategic significance for both the United States and the wider Nato alliance. The base serves as the headquarters for US intelligence operations covering Europe and Africa, and it also accommodates a Nato intelligence centre. Unlike some other RAF installations, it does not function as a flying station, which makes its intelligence-gathering role its primary military function.

The base is situated to the west of Huntingdon, close to the boundary between Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Its location and purpose make it a facility of considerable sensitivity, and security at such sites is maintained through multiple layers of protection.

Earlier on Wednesday, the A1M motorway was partially shut down at around 13:00 BST, along with several other roads in the Glatton area, after the abandoned vehicle was discovered. A cordon was established while bomb disposal specialists examined the car. However, the roads were reopened shortly afterwards when Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that "nothing of concern was identified" during the inspection.

The Ministry of Defence responded to the incident by reaffirming its commitment to protecting defence assets. A spokesperson said: "We remain highly vigilant to potential threats against defence sites and work closely with the police and our allies to keep them secure." The spokesperson added that the protection of military bases is subject to constant review and employs a multi-layered strategy encompassing physical barriers, patrols, surveillance, monitoring, and counter-drone capabilities.

US European Command also issued a statement thanking British agencies for their support. A spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to discuss matters of intelligence or specific force protection measures, but added: "We will continue to assess the threat environment surrounding our installations and take appropriate actions to protect our people, our platforms, and the bases where our forces operate from."

The incident comes amid heightened public and official concern about the security of military installations across the UK. The reference to RAF Fairford highlights a recent event that has already drawn significant attention, though investigators have been careful to stress that no link has been established between the two cases.

Counter-terrorism policing units in the UK routinely investigate breaches at sensitive sites, particularly those involving foreign nationals or potential espionage concerns. The application of the National Security Act 2023 in this case signals that authorities are examining whether the men's actions were driven by hostile intent rather than mere trespass. The legislation, introduced to modernise the UK's defences against state threats, provides law enforcement with additional tools to prosecute individuals suspected of acting on behalf of foreign powers or engaging in activities that undermine national security.

Commander Flanagan urged the public to remain alert. "As ever, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and if you see anything of concern, then to contact police," she said. The investigation continues, with detectives working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the breach and the backgrounds of the two men in custody.