London, United Kingdom
British counterterrorism police have launched an investigation after the arrest of two Latvian men at a Royal Air Force base used by American personnel, authorities said Thursday.
The arrests come weeks after an alleged plot to target another British air base used by the US military raised concerns about the security of military sites across Britain.
Police said there is nothing so far to suggest the incident at RAF Molesworth, in eastern England, is linked to the alleged plot against RAF Fairford, in western England, which was used by the US military to launch missions against Iran.
The men were discovered after MoD police discovered an abandoned vehicle during a security patrol at RAF Molesworth, about 100km (60 miles) north of London, and raised the alarm.
Subsequent checks revealed a small breach in the perimeter fence and the two men, aged 32 and 36, were arrested inside the base.
They were initially arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a prohibited site and criminal damage, before being rearrested on suspicion of “entering a prohibited place with a purpose prejudicial to the United Kingdom” under the National Security Act 2023.
RAF Molesworth is used by US personnel and hosts intelligence analysis and command operations, as well as a NATO intelligence center. It is not used for flight operations.
Last month several men were arrested over an alleged plot to attack RAF Fairford, 90 miles west of London. The British government has linked the alleged plot to Iran, which has denied involvement.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of British military bases, particularly those used by American forces. The United States said Monday that an Iran-related threat led to the withdrawal of its bombers from Fairford.
“We are very aware of the recent increased interest and concern around military sites, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest that this incident is linked to the events at RAF Fairford last week,” Helen Flanagan, head of London’s counter-terrorism police, said in a statement.
Police said both men were residents of Britain and officers were searching two addresses in the area of nearby Peterborough.
Bomb squad officers checked the abandoned vehicle but found nothing of concern, police said.
“We are very vigilant about potential threats to our military sites and are working closely with the police to ensure their security,” Defense Minister Wes Streeting said in a message on X.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said it appreciated the quick response and support from local law enforcement.
“We remain in close coordination with our UK partners to help ensure the safety and security of our military and local communities,” the spokesperson added.
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