Two Latvian nationals have been arrested on suspicion of trespass after a security breach at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation. The pair, aged 36 and 32, were detained after a military police patrol discovered an abandoned vehicle and a hole cut in the perimeter fence at the base on Wednesday night.
Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the incident at the airbase, which is used by US military intelligence. The arrests were made after security patrols near the base found the abandoned vehicle and a breach in the fence. The two men remain in custody as enquiries continue.
RAF Molesworth is a Royal Air Force station located near the village of Molesworth in Cambridgeshire. The base hosts a number of US Department of Defense operations, including intelligence-gathering and analysis functions. Its strategic role has made it a focal point for security concerns in the past, and the breach has raised questions about the vulnerability of military installations in the UK.
The incident occurred on the night of Wednesday 7 October, when a patrol spotted the abandoned vehicle and the damaged fence. The men were arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of trespass offences. The nature of the breach — a hole in the perimeter fence — suggests a deliberate attempt to gain unauthorised access to the site, though the motivation remains unclear.
Counter-terrorism police have not yet commented on whether the incident is being treated as a terrorist-related matter or whether the men are believed to have links to any organisation. The investigation is ongoing, and officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The arrests come amid heightened security awareness at military bases across Europe. In recent years, several incidents have highlighted the challenges of protecting sensitive installations from intrusion, whether by activists, foreign agents, or individuals acting alone. RAF Molesworth, in particular, has a history of protests and security incidents linked to its role in US defence operations.
The US embassy in London has not issued a statement on the breach. The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that security at the base is under review but declined to provide further details, citing operational security. Local police have increased patrols in the area while the investigation continues.
The two men are expected to be questioned further by counter-terrorism officers. Under UK law, suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge in terrorism-related investigations, though no such extension has been announced. The case has attracted attention because of the base's strategic importance and the unusual circumstances of the breach.
Security experts note that perimeter breaches at military bases are relatively rare but can have serious implications if sensitive information or equipment is compromised. The fact that counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. Further updates are expected as the enquiry progresses.