Two Latvian men arrested for trespassing at RAF Molesworth
Investigation underway at RAF base used by US military intelligence
Two Latvian men have been arrested on suspicion of breaching the perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, a base utilized by US military intelligence. Met Police reported the incident occurred at approximately 2am on Thursday.
The men, aged 36 and 32, were initially arrested for trespassing on a prohibited site and criminal damage, and subsequently charged under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited place with prejudicial intentions to the UK.
An abandoned vehicle identified near the base perimeter at 10pm on Wednesday, followed by a small breach of the fence, prompted Ministry of Defence security patrols to conduct further searches, leading to the apprehension of the suspects.
RAF Molesworth serves as a hub for US military intelligence operations centres for Europe and Africa, as well as hosting a NATO intelligence hub.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized the early stage of the investigation and the importance of determining the motivation behind the men's presence at the site.
Searches at two Peterborough addresses are underway as part of the ongoing investigation, coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing officers. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assessed the abandoned vehicle, but nothing concerning was identified, allowing local road cordons to be lifted.
Both men remain in police custody as inquiries continue.