Two men arrested after suspected breach at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire
Counter-terrorism detectives are investigating after two men were found inside the perimeter of RAF Molesworth following the discovery of a damaged fence.
By Keep Updated UK Newsroom
Published:
Arrests after overnight security alert
Two men have been arrested following a suspected security breach at RAF Molesworth in Cambridgeshire, prompting an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing London. The men, aged 36 and 32, are Latvian nationals who live in the UK. Their arrests took place in the early hours of Thursday 8 October 2026.
According to the account released by police and reported by national news agencies, security patrols discovered an abandoned vehicle near the base at around 10pm on Wednesday. A search subsequently identified a small breach in the perimeter fence. The two men were located inside the site's perimeter at approximately 2am.
National Security Act investigation
The pair were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage. They were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, concerning entry to a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK. At the time of the announcement, both remained in police custody.
The abandoned vehicle was examined as a precaution, and police reported that nothing of concern was found during additional checks. An arrest on suspicion is not a finding that an offence occurred or that the people detained are guilty.
Police say motive is still being examined
RAF Molesworth is a military site used by US personnel and intelligence functions. Its role helps explain why the incident has been referred to specialist investigators, but it does not establish the suspects' intentions.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who heads Counter Terrorism Policing London, said investigators were keeping an open mind about why the men were at the site. Police also said there was no evidence at that stage connecting the incident with the separate investigation concerning RAF Fairford.
The circumstances of the fence damage, the men's reason for entering the area and any decisions about charges remain subjects of an active inquiry. This report will require updating if police or prosecutors announce further developments.
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