Two men have been arrested on suspicion of national security offences after being found inside an RAF base in Cambridgeshire, police have confirmed.
The Metropolitan Police said the men were discovered within the perimeter of RAF Molesworth in the early hours of Thursday after security patrols found an abandoned vehicle and identified a small breach in the site's perimeter fence.
Arrests under National Security Act
The men, aged 36 and 32, are Latvian nationals who live in the UK. They were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage. Police said they were later further arrested under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, which covers entering a prohibited place for a purpose considered prejudicial to the UK.
Investigation and searches
Both men remain in custody while officers from Counter Terrorism Policing continue their investigation. Counter Terrorism Policing officers are heading the investigation, while detectives simultaneously conduct searches at two properties in the Peterborough area as part of the continuing 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.
"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."
Public vigilance urged
"As ever, I would ask the public to remain vigilant and if you see anything of concern, then to contact police."
Members of the public who spot anything suspicious can get in touch with police in confidence by calling 0800 789321 or by submitting a report online at www.gov.uk/ACT. Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work in close collaboration with colleagues from the MDP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary as the investigation progresses.
