Two men were arrested under the National Security Act 2023 after breaching the perimeter fence of RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire. The incident unfolded late on Wednesday, October 7, and into the early hours of Thursday, October 8. It prompted a multi-agency security response and an ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing.
According to the Metropolitan Police and the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), security patrols first noticed an abandoned vehicle near the base perimeter at approximately 22:00 BST on October 7. Officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary quickly joined MDP personnel to conduct searches across the perimeter of the military installation.
Following extended checks, officers discovered a small breach in the perimeter fence. At approximately 02:00 BST on October 8, two suspects were located deep inside the base and placed under arrest.
Suspect Details and Charges
The individuals taken into custody are both Latvian nationals currently residing in the United Kingdom. Police identified them as men aged 36 and 32.
Initially, the pair were arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage. They were transported to a local Cambridgeshire police station. Following further evaluation, the charges were escalated. Both men were further arrested on suspicion of an offence under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023-specifically, entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom. Both suspects remain in police custody.
Vehicle Investigation and EOD Deployment
The abandoned vehicle discovered near the base exterior was recovered by law enforcement and transported to a secure police location for forensic examination. During subsequent searches of the vehicle, specific security concerns prompted authorities to deploy specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers to perform extra safety checks.
As a precautionary safety measure, a temporary police cordon was established, affecting local travel routes around the Glatton area, including sections of the A1. However, after specialist teams completed their assessments, nothing hazardous or suspicious was found. All road cordons and restrictions have since been lifted.
Counter Terrorism Command Leading Investigation
Due to the sensitive nature of the breach at a military installation housing critical intelligence operations, Counter Terrorism Policing London has taken command of the active investigation. Detectives are working closely alongside the Ministry of Defence Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary. They are also executing searches at two residential addresses in the Peterborough area.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, addressed public concerns regarding recent events at British military sites:
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.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant. Individuals who notice any suspicious behavior or anything that appears out of place can contact the confidential anti- hotline at 0800 789321 or submit reports online via the official government reporting portal.
