Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate After Two Arrested at US-Used RAF Airbase in Cambridgeshire

Two Latvian men have been taken into custody following a security breach at a UK airbase utilized by the US military. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the suspects, aged 36 and 32, were detained in the early hours of Thursday by the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) after being discovered inside the perimeter of RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, located 100km north of London.

According to the CIA's website, RAF Molesworth hosts US intelligence-operation centers for Europe and Africa, alongside a NATO intelligence hub. This marks the second time in two weeks that a British airbase used by the US has faced a security alert, following a previous incident that prompted the US to withdraw all strategic bombers from RAF Fairford.

Both suspects remain in police custody as counter-terrorism authorities lead the ongoing investigation. Officials have stated that, at this stage, the incident is not currently linked to previous arrests connected to RAF Fairford.

The suspects were initially intercepted after an MDP patrol spotted an abandoned vehicle near the perimeter. Following further site searches and the discovery of a small breach in the perimeter fence, the two men were located and arrested. Initially detained on suspicion of trespassing on a prohibited site and criminal damage at a Cambridgeshire police station, they were later re-arrested under the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, noted that while authorities are aware of heightened concerns regarding military sites, there is no evidence yet connecting this event to RAF Fairford. Investigators are actively examining the potential motivations behind the men's presence at the site while maintaining an open mind.

As part of the investigation, police are executing two property searches in the Peterborough area, situated roughly 30km from the airbase. The abandoned vehicle has been recovered and searched, with specialist ordnance disposal officers deployed as a precaution due to initial concerns. A temporary cordon was established and subsequently lifted after no dangerous materials were found.

Meanwhile, the separate investigation concerning RAF Fairford continues. On Tuesday, a 22-year-old British citizen was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Previously, five men aged 23 to 25 were arrested near the base on September 27 on explosives and terrorism preparation offenses before being released on bail. A sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual Iranian-British citizen, was arrested in Westminster, central London, on October 1 and has also been released on bail.