Two Latvian men have been arrested under the National Security Act after a fence was breached at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Molesworth base in Cambridgeshire. The arrests followed the discovery of an abandoned vehicle by a Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) patrol late Wednesday evening.

Authorities were alerted around 22:00 BST on Wednesday when the security patrol at RAF Molesworth identified an abandoned vehicle. Subsequent searches conducted by the MDP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary revealed a small breach in the base's perimeter fence a few hours later.

The two men, identified by the Metropolitan Police as residents of the UK aged 36 and 32, were apprehended inside the base perimeter. They were initially taken into custody on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and criminal damage.

However, their arrest status was escalated. The pair have since been further arrested on suspicion of an offense under Section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, which pertains to entering a prohibited place for a purpose deemed prejudicial to the United Kingdom. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that while they are aware of heightened concern around military sites, there is currently nothing to suggest a direct connection to a recent high-profile incident at RAF Fairford. However, she noted that investigators are keeping an open mind regarding potential motivations for the men's presence at the base.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, officers are conducting searches at two addresses in the Peterborough area. Commander Flanagan urged the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the police. The investigation is described as being in its very early stages.

RAF Molesworth, located west of Huntingdon, is a significant site for intelligence operations. In 2024, the US Defense Intelligence Agency began construction on a $556 million facility at the base, intended to serve as a hub for US military intelligence in Europe and Africa. The base also houses a NATO intelligence hub.

Authorities have not yet established a definitive motive for the men's actions. The investigation will focus on understanding why they were present within the restricted area of the military installation.