Two Latvian nationals detained after breaching UK airbase used by US forces

British counter-terrorism police arrested two Latvian men inside RAF Molesworth, an RAF base in eastern England that hosts U.S. intelligence and NATO operations, on Thursday. The arrests followed the discovery of an abandoned vehicle during a Ministry of Defence Police patrol, which led officers to a small breach in the perimeter fence and the two suspects, aged 32 and 36. Initially detained for trespassing and criminal damage, they were later re-arrested on suspicion of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom under the National Security Act 2023.

Police said there is currently no evidence linking the incident to a suspected plot against RAF Fairford, another U.S.-used base in western England that was recently targeted in an alleged Iran-related scheme. "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 Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Defence minister Wes Streeting said the government remains "highly vigilant" about threats to military sites and works closely with police to maintain security. A U.S. Air Force spokesperson praised the swift response and said the United States continues to coordinate with its UK partners to protect both military and local communities. Police are searching two addresses near Peterborough, where the men are believed to reside, and bomb disposal officers found no hazardous material in the abandoned vehicle.