Two Latvian men have been arrested on suspicion of national security offences after allegedly trespassing on an RAF base in Cambridgeshire.
The Metropolitan Police said the pair were found inside RAF Molesworth in the early hours of Thursday (October 8), after security patrols discovered an abandoned vehicle and a small breach in the site's perimeter fence.
Arrests and initial charges
The men, aged 36 and 32, are both Latvian nationals who live in the UK. They were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage before being further arrested under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, which relates to entering a prohibited place for a purpose considered prejudicial to the UK.
Investigation and searches
Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing are leading the inquiry while investigators also carry out searches at two addresses in the Peterborough area as part of the ongoing operation.
“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", said Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Public vigilance urged
“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.”
Anyone who sees anything that doesn’t look or feel right can contact police, in confidence, by calling 0800 789321 or report it online via www.gov.uk/ACT. CTP are working closely with colleagues from the MDP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary as the investigation continues.
