Two men arrested for ‘entering UK RAF base’ after abandoned vehicle spotted

An aerial view of RAF Molesworth as two men arrested inside the RAF base (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo) Two men have been arrested after being found inside an RAF base in Cambridgeshire.

Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) carrying out security patrols of RAF Molesworth found an abandoned vehicle near the perimeter fence.

Further searches detected a ‘small breach’ at around 10pm on Tueday October 7.

Two Latvian nationals – aged 36 and 32 and both living in the UK – were arrested inside the base on suspicion of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK, four hours later.

They were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage and taken to a Cambridgeshire police station.

Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.

They have now been further arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023. They remain in custody.

RAF Molesworth hosts the Nato Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) acts as a hub for crisis warning and provides intelligence to support planning and execution of NATO operations.

These units are garrisoned by elements of the US Air Force’s 423rd Air Base Group.

Ben Obese-Jecty MP for Hutingdon said he was aware of a ‘trespass’ event at the base.

He said: ‘As ever I would urge everybody to remain vigilant, particularly in close proximity to the military bases locally, and report any suspicious activity, no matter how trivial it may seem, to the police.’

The abandoned vehicle was taken to a nearby police location and while undergoing further searches, concerns over the vehicle led to the deployment of specialist ‘EOD’ officers to carry out additional checks.

As a precaution, a cordon was in place, which impacted local roads in the Glatton area, including part of the A1.

But nothing of concern was found and all cordons have since been lifted.

The breach comes after three white vans were spotted outside RAF Fairford on September 27 resulted in numerous arrests.

Residents were evacuated from about 85 homes and allowed to return the following day.

The incident remains under investigation.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London – which is leading the investigation – said: ‘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.

‘Our investigation into this incident is at its very early stages. A big part of this is looking at any potential motivation as to why the men were present at the site, but I must stress we are keeping an open mind at this stage and enquiries are very much ongoing.

‘As ever, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and if you see anything of concern, then to contact police.’

Arrow MORE: Hunt for teen who hurled rock through dying man’s window during his final hours

Arrow MORE: Woman ‘fatally shoots husband in chest during row over gun safety’

Arrow MORE: ‘Porch pirate’ fesses up after judge presents him with doorbell cam of his crimes

Never miss the biggest stories with breaking news alerts in your inbox.