Counter-terrorism officers are investigating after two men were found within the perimeter of the Cambridgeshire base, hours after police discovered an abandoned vehicle nearby.
Two Latvian nationals who live in the UK have been arrested on suspicion of National Security Act offences after being found inside RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire. The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) came across an abandoned vehicle near the base at about 10pm on Wednesday, during routine security patrols. A further search by the MDP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary uncovered a small breach in the perimeter fence. The men, aged 36 and 32, were arrested inside the base.
How the incident unfolded
According to police, the abandoned vehicle was found at around 10pm on 7 October. After the fence breach was identified, the search continued, and the two men were located inside the base at about 2am on 8 October, roughly four hours after the vehicle was discovered.
They were first arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage. The Metropolitan Police said they were subsequently arrested on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, namely entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
Investigation under way
Counter Terrorism Policing London is leading the investigation, working with the MDP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Police have stressed that the inquiry is at an early stage and that they are keeping an open mind about the men’s motivation. Two addresses in the Peterborough area are being searched.
Specialist explosive ordnance disposal officers were called in after the abandoned vehicle was examined. A precautionary cordon was set up around the area, including parts of nearby roads, while the vehicle and its surroundings were assessed. The specialist officers found nothing of concern, and the cordons were later lifted.
Police have said there is currently no indication that the incident is connected to the separate security investigation at RAF Fairford.
The charge explained
The section 4 offence is considerably more serious than ordinary trespass. It covers entering, approaching or inspecting a designated prohibited site where the person knows, or reasonably ought to know, that their conduct is intended to be prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK. It carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a fine, or both.
An arrest under section 4 does not establish that the men were spying or acting for a foreign government. Police have not publicly established a motive.
