Two Latvian nationals arrested on suspicion of trespassing at RAF base

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of breaching the perimeter fence at an RAF base used by NATO and US military intelligence.

The two men, aged 36 and 32, were arrested inside the base perimeter of RAF Molesworth in the early hours of Thursday.

Both are Latvian nationals, currently living in the UK, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) carrying out security patrols at RAF Molesworth initially found an abandoned vehicle around 10pm on Wednesday.

A small breach of the perimeter fence was identified and at around 2am on Thursday, the two men were found and arrested.

Police said concerns over the vehicle led to the deployment of specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers to carry out additional checks.

The investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing.

Police from Cambridgeshire Constabulary also searched the site.

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

The pair have since been further arrested on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the National Security Act - which is "entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK".

RAF Molesworth is home to a NATO intelligence hub and the US's intelligence operations centres for Europe and Africa, according to the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) website.

NATO's Intelligence Fusion Centre supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Allied Command Operations - responsible for the planning and execution of the organisation's operations.

A cordon at the scene was put in place, which affected nearby roads, but it has since been lifted after "nothing of concern was found", police said.

Both men are currently still being held in police custody while they are questioned by detectives.

A US European Command spokesman said: "While we assess the global security posture, US forces remain at the highest state of readiness.

"We would also express our gratitude to the UK for the close partnership with US forces on matters of security."

Officers are currently carrying out two searches at properties in Peterborough in connection with the 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."

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In 2024, the US's Defence Intelligence Agency said it had broken ground on a $556m (£421m) facility at the base, which will support US military intelligence in Europe and Africa and employ 1,000 intelligence personnel.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "Our thanks go to the MoD and civilian police and security teams for their swift response.

"We remain highly vigilant to potential threats against defence sites and work closely with the police and our allies to keep them secure.

"The protection of our bases is kept under constant review, with a multi-layered approach that includes physical barriers, patrols, surveillance, monitoring, and counter-drone capabilities."

(c) Sky News 2026: Two Latvian nationals arrested on suspicion of trespassing at RAF base