Two Men Arrested After Breaking Into UK Airbase Used by US, Police Say
Two Latvian men residing in Britain were arrested inside RAF Molesworth on October 8, 2026, after Ministry of Defence Police discovered an abandoned vehicle and a perimeter fence breach, according to Reuters. The suspects, aged 32 and 36, were initially detained for trespassing before being re-arrested under the National Security Act 2023 for entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the UK.
Perimeter Breach Discovered During Security Patrol
The incident at RAF Molesworth unfolded when Ministry of Defence Police noticed an abandoned vehicle during a routine security patrol. Subsequent checks revealed a small breach in the perimeter fence surrounding the base, which is situated about 100 kilometers north of London. Reuters reported that bomb disposal officers inspected the abandoned vehicle and found nothing of concern. Following the arrests, police initiated searches at two addresses in the nearby area of Peterborough.
Molesworth Serves as Intelligence Hub Unlike Fairford Airbase
RAF Molesworth functions as an intelligence analysis and command operations hub, alongside hosting a NATO intelligence centre, and does not conduct flying operations. This breach comes just weeks after a suspected plot targeted RAF Fairford, a western English airbase used by US military forces to launch missions against Iran. Police stated that there is currently no evidence connecting the Molesworth breach to the Fairford plot. The British government previously linked the Fairford threat to Iran, which denied involvement, prompting the United States to remove its bombers from that site.
Police Lead Investigation into Military Installation Breach
British counterterrorism police are leading the active investigation into the breach. Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said authorities are monitoring reports of threats to military installations but confirmed no link to the Fairford events. Defence minister Wes Streeting posted on X that authorities maintain high vigilance regarding potential threats and work closely with police. Meanwhile, a US Air Force spokesperson expressed appreciation for the swift response from local law enforcement and confirmed ongoing coordination to ensure the safety of military personnel and local communities.
