Two Latvians arrested at RAF base in Cambridgeshire released on bail

The suspects, both Latvian nationals currently resident in the UK, were initially arrested on suspicion of trespass on a prohibited site and causing criminal damage. They were then further arrested on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the National Security Act 2023, namely entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.

They have since been released on bail, with strict conditions, as the police continue their investigation. Commander Helen Flanagan, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said they were “very aware of the recent heightened interest and concern around military sites”, but that there was nothing from their investigation so far to suggest a connection to an incident near RAF Fairford in September.

“Our investigation continues and we are working closely with colleagues from the Ministry of Defence police and Cambridgeshire constabulary on this. A key line of inquiry remains to identify any potential motivation behind why the men were at that location, and this includes whether it may be connected to any criminal activity,” she added.

Officers have since carried out two searches at addresses in the Peterborough area in connection with the investigation. The abandoned vehicle was also taken to a nearby police location. Located west of Huntingdon, RAF Molesworth is home to Nato’s Intelligence Fusion Centre and the US Joint Intelligence Operations Center, Europe.