The short version
- Two Latvian men residing in the UK were arrested after breaching the fence of RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire.
- Authorities have escalated charges under the National Security Act 2023, alleging the entry was for a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom.
- Investigators are treating the incident as separate from recent disturbances at other military sites but remain cautious about potential links.
Counter-terrorism authorities in the United Kingdom have detained two men following a security breach at a major Royal Air Force installation in Cambridgeshire. The incident occurred at RAF Molesworth, a strategic site located near Huntingdon and close to the border with Northamptonshire. Police confirmed that the suspects, who are Latvian nationals aged 32 and 36 and currently living in the UK, were apprehended inside the base perimeter after security personnel identified an unauthorized entry.
The sequence of events began late on Wednesday evening when a Ministry of Defence Police patrol discovered an abandoned vehicle near the facility at approximately 10:00 p.m. British Summer Time. Following this discovery, officers from both the Ministry of Defence Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary launched a search operation. A few hours later, investigators located a small breach in the perimeter fence, indicating how the individuals had gained access to the restricted area.
Initially, the two men were taken into custody on suspicion of trespassing on a prohibited site and committing criminal damage. They were transported to a local police station for processing. However, the nature of the charges has since evolved as the investigation deepened. Authorities have now arrested the pair under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, a significant escalation that suggests officials are treating the incident with greater severity than a standard trespass case.
This specific legal provision targets individuals who enter or approach prohibited places for purposes that are prejudicial to the United Kingdom. The statute covers a range of activities, including accessing, inspecting, or recording such sites. Under this act, convictions can result in imprisonment for up to 14 years, substantial fines, or both. The application of these charges indicates that investigators suspect the men’s presence at the airbase may have been motivated by intentions harmful to national security, though specific motives remain under active inquiry.
RAF Molesworth is a site of considerable strategic importance. In 2024, the United States Defence Intelligence Agency broke ground on a new facility at the base, valued at $556 million. This construction project is designed to serve as a central hub for US military intelligence operations across Europe and Africa. The presence of such high-value infrastructure likely contributes to the heightened sensitivity surrounding any security lapses at the location.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized that the investigation is in its very early stages. She noted that a primary focus for investigators is determining the motivation behind the men’s presence at the site. While authorities are keeping an open mind regarding potential connections to broader security threats, they have explicitly stated there is currently no evidence linking this incident to the high-profile disturbance at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire earlier in the week.
Despite the lack of confirmed links to other recent events, police remain aware of increased interest and concern surrounding military installations. Flanagan urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As part of the ongoing probe, officers have conducted searches at two addresses in the Peterborough area. These actions are aimed at gathering further evidence and understanding the scope of the suspects’ activities leading up to the breach.
The case highlights the complex security challenges facing military bases that host critical intelligence infrastructure. While the immediate threat has been neutralized with the arrests, the investigation continues to unfold. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the men had accomplices or if the breach was part of a coordinated effort. The coming days will likely see further developments as counter-terror police analyze evidence and assess the potential implications for national security protocols at similar sites.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Two Latvian men arrested on suspicion of trespass at RAF base in Cambridgeshire
- The Guardian World↗Two Latvian men arrested for trespass offences at RAF airbase – Europe live
