Two Latvian Nationals Detained After Entering Military Base in England

Two Latvian citizens, aged 32 and 36, were detained after trespassing at the RAF Molesworth base in Cambridgeshire, England, which is used for US military and NATO intelligence operations. Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the incident, which began after military police discovered a breach in the perimeter fence.

Unauthorized Entry to the Base and Detainments

In the early hours of Thursday, military police launched a broad investigation after an abandoned vehicle was found near the RAF Molesworth base in Cambridgeshire. Four hours after the vehicle was discovered outside the facility, two Latvian men aged 32 and 36 were detected and apprehended within the base's boundaries.

As a result of joint efforts by military police and Cambridgeshire police forces, a small hole was identified in the perimeter fence. The suspects were initially detained on suspicion of trespassing in a prohibited area and criminal damage.

Investigation Under the National Security Act

The suspects, who reside in England, were later re-arrested under section 4 of the 2023 National Security Act on suspicion of entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.

Given the nature of the incident, the investigation was directly taken over by counter-terrorism police units. Authorities have not yet clarified the purpose of the suspects' presence at the base.

Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Assessments

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of London counter-terrorism policing, stated that there is currently no evidence of a direct link to the incident at the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire. Investigators are examining whether the suspects have links to a foreign state or whether the incident stemmed from ordinary crime or carelessness.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that the public should have confidence in the work carried out with MI5, GCHQ, and international intelligence partners, drawing attention to an increase in threats directed by foreign states.

Security Measures and Additional Searches

Following the towing of the abandoned vehicle to a secure location, detailed checks were conducted by explosives experts, but no suspicious items were found. Short-term road security cordons implemented around the villages of Peterborough and Glatton were subsequently lifted.

As part of the investigation, teams continued search operations at two different addresses in the Peterborough area, and it was reported that the suspects remained in custody as of Thursday.