Two Latvian men have been arrested on suspicion of trespass and offences under the National Security Act 2023 at RAF Molesworth, a key intelligence base used by the US military and Nato in Cambridgeshire. The arrests followed the discovery of a breached perimeter fence and an abandoned vehicle at the site near Huntingdon. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, emphasizing that while they are keeping an open mind, there is currently no link to a recent incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The alert was first raised on Wednesday evening when a Ministry of Defence Police patrol identified an abandoned vehicle on the base. Subsequent searches revealed a breach in the perimeter fence. A few hours later, officers apprehended the two men, aged 36 and 32, who are residents of the UK, inside the secured area. They were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage, with Cambridgeshire Police assisting in the search.

Commander Helen Flanagan of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Policing London stated that the investigation is in its early stages and is examining the potential motivation behind the men's presence at the site. The pair were later re-arrested under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, which pertains to entering a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the United Kingdom. Police are also conducting searches at addresses in the Peterborough area as part of the inquiry.

RAF Molesworth is not a flying station but serves as a critical hub for US intelligence operations across Europe and Africa, alongside a Nato intelligence centre. Its strategic importance means that any security breach is taken with utmost seriousness by defence and security agencies. The investigation is focused on understanding the full circumstances and potential implications of the intrusion.

Flanagan urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. The abandoned vehicle initially caused disruption, leading to a temporary partial closure of the A1M and surrounding roads while bomb squad officers examined it. However, authorities confirmed that nothing of concern was found, and the roads were reopened.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson affirmed the commitment to maintaining high vigilance against threats to defence sites and detailed the multi-layered security approach, including physical barriers, patrols, surveillance, and counter-drone capabilities. US European Command expressed gratitude for the UK agencies' support but declined to comment on intelligence matters or specific force protection measures.

The incident underscores the ongoing security concerns surrounding sensitive military and intelligence installations. While police are actively exploring all avenues, the lack of a confirmed link to other recent events suggests this investigation is proceeding on its own merits, focusing on the specific circumstances at RAF Molesworth.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and police continue to seek information regarding the individuals' potential motives and any broader connections.