Two Latvian men arrested after breaching RAF Molesworth perimeter fence

Two Latvian men aged 36 and 32 were arrested at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire after breaching the military base's perimeter fence on 8 October. They face charges under the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited place, with Counter-Terrorism Policing investigating their motives. Authorities have stated they have found no evidence linking the incident to a separate security concern at RAF Fairford reported the previous week.

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Breach of perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth
Discovery of abandoned vehicle near base
Arrest on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage
Further arrest under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023
Searches at addresses in Peterborough area

Two Latvian men, aged 36 and 32, were arrested at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire early Thursday morning after breaching the military base's perimeter fence. The incident began when Ministry of Defence Police security patrols discovered an abandoned vehicle near the base at approximately 22:00 BST on Wednesday. A small breach in the perimeter fence was identified hours later, and the two men—both UK residents—were located and arrested inside the base at around 02:00 BST on Thursday.

The men were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage, then further arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, which covers entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. Counter-Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: "We're very aware of the recent heightened interest and concern around military sites, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest this incident is connected to the events at RAF Fairford last week."

RAF Molesworth is a non-flying base located west of Huntingdon that hosts critical US and NATO intelligence operations. In 2024, the US Defence Intelligence Agency announced a $556 million facility at the airbase that would serve as a hub for US military intelligence in Europe and Africa. Police conducted searches at addresses in the Peterborough area and carried out precautionary checks on the abandoned vehicle, including examination by bomb squad officers, but reported that nothing of concern was identified.

The incident occurred approximately one week after a separate security incident at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where British police evacuated homes on 27 September. Seven people, all in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing an act of terror at that location and have been released on bail. The US subsequently withdrew all B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford over security concerns. Despite the proximity of the two incidents, Counter-Terrorism Policing stated they are keeping an open mind regarding any potential connection while investigating the motivation of the men arrested at RAF Molesworth.

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#RAF Molesworth #US military #Cambridgeshire #security breach #National Security Act #airbase security #UK intelligence #perimeter breach #counter-terrorism #Counter Terrorism Policing

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Why This Matters

Two security incidents at UK military bases hosting NATO and US intelligence operations within one week have triggered heightened investigation into potential coordinated breaches. RAF Molesworth hosts a newly announced $556 million US Defence Intelligence Agency facility for European operations; RAF Fairford housed B-1 bombers until their withdrawal on 27 September following a separate arrest of seven people on suspicion of explosives offences. Counter-Terrorism Policing is investigating both incidents independently while keeping open the possibility of connection. The incidents have prompted police sweeps, bomb squad examinations, and formal National Security Act charges, affecting base security protocols and US military presence in the UK.

Timeline & Sources

Sep 27, 2026

Wire

Security incident at RAF Fairford; homes evacuated and seven people arrested on suspicion of explosives offences

Oct 8, 2026

Wire

Approximately one week prior: RAF Fairford security incident reported

Oct 9, 2026

Wire

Abandoned vehicle prompts partial closure of A1M and nearby roads

Oct 9, 2026

Wire

Bomb squad examination of vehicle completed; roads reopened

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