Full Breakdown
Two Latvian Men Arrested After Breach at RAF Molesworth
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
At approximately 22:00 hrs on 7 October, Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) conducting a security patrol near the perimeter of RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire identified an abandoned vehicle. Subsequent searches by MDP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary uncovered a small breach in the base’s fence. At about 02:00 hrs on 8 October, two men were located inside the perimeter and taken into custody. Both individuals are Latvian nationals residing in the United Kingdom, aged 36 and 32.
Investigation and Legal Actions
The pair were first detained on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage. They were later re-arrested under section 4 of the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the inquiry, with officers conducting searches at two addresses in the Peterborough area. The men remain in police custody.
Site Context and Security Measures
RAF Molesworth is heavily utilised by the United States, hosting the Joint Intelligence Operations Centre Europe Analytic Centre and units of the US Air Force’s 423rd Air Base Group. Following the discovery of the abandoned vehicle, specialist explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officers were deployed to examine the vehicle. A precautionary cordon was imposed, affecting local roads in the Glatton area, including part of the A1. After assessment, no threat was found and the cordons were lifted.
Official Response
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said there is currently no evidence linking the incident to the events at RAF Fairford the previous week. She described the investigation as being at a very early stage, emphasizing that authorities are “keeping an open mind” while examining possible motivations. Flanagan urged the public to remain vigilant and report anything that appears out of the ordinary.
Ongoing Actions
Police continue to investigate the abandoned vehicle and the two Peterborough addresses. The investigation remains active, and the two Latvian men remain in custody pending further legal and security assessments.