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// DOSSIER — latvian-nationals-arrested-perimeter-breach-raf-molesworth
Two Latvian Nationals Arrested Following Perimeter Breach at RAF Molesworth
REL_TIME: 09 Oct 2026 11:12Z · LANG: EN
UK Counter Terrorism Policing is investigating two Latvian nationals, aged 32 and 36, who were arrested inside the perimeter of RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire early Thursday. The military base serves as a key intelligence hub for US European and Africa Commands as well as NATO. The suspects, both UK residents, were initially detained for trespass and criminal damage before being re-arrested under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023 on suspicion of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. While the arrest follows recent high-profile security incidents at other UK defense sites, including RAF Fairford, police report no evidence currently linking the events.
// Background
RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire is a non-flying facility managed by the US Air Force. It houses the US intelligence operations centers for Europe and Africa, as well as NATO's Intelligence Fusion Centre. The incident occurred amidst heightened security awareness across UK military facilities following a September 27 incident near RAF Fairford involving suspicious vehicles that led to multiple arrests and the temporary redeployment of US B-1 bombers.
// Key Developments
- Two UK-resident Latvian men (aged 32 and 36) were found inside RAF Molesworth at 2:00 AM after security patrols spotted an abandoned vehicle and a fence breach.
- The men face charges under the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited site for purposes prejudicial to the UK.
- Bomb disposal officers examined the abandoned vehicle and cleared it after finding no hazardous materials.
- Police conducted related searches at two residential addresses in the nearby Peterborough area.
- Counter Terrorism Policing stated there is currently no evidence linking this intrusion to the recent security incident at RAF Fairford.
// Timeline
-
A major security alert occurs near RAF Fairford, leading to seven arrests and the subsequent departure of US B-1 bombers.
-
MoD security patrols discover an abandoned vehicle near the RAF Molesworth perimeter fence and identify a small fence breach.
-
Police locate and arrest two Latvian men inside RAF Molesworth on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage.
-
The suspects are re-arrested under the National Security Act 2023; explosive ordnance disposal officers clear the abandoned vehicle, and searches commence at two Peterborough addresses.
// Perspectives
[UK Counter Terrorism Policing]
Leading the investigation with an open mind regarding motive, while explicitly noting no confirmed link to other recent base incidents.
[US European Command]
Maintaining high operational readiness and expressing appreciation for UK security partnership while withholding details on specific force protection measures.
[UK Ministry of Defence]
Emphasizing high vigilance and multi-layered defense capabilities, including physical barriers, surveillance, and counter-drone systems.
// Quotes
“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.”
“We will continue to assess the threat environment surrounding our installations and take appropriate actions to protect our people, our platforms, and the bases where our forces operate from.”
“We remain highly vigilant to potential threats against defence sites and work closely with the police and our allies to keep them secure.”
