London, United KingdomReuters – British counter-terrorism police are investigating after two Latvian men were arrested inside a Royal Air Force base used by American personnel, authorities said on Thursday. The arrests come weeks after an alleged plot against another British air base used by the US military raised concerns about security at military sites across Britain. Police said there was nothing so far to suggest the incident at RAF Molesworth in eastern England was linked to the alleged plot against RAF Fairford in western England, which has been used by the US military to launch missions against Iran. The men were discovered after MoD Police found an abandoned vehicle during a security patrol at RAF Molesworth, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of London, and raised the alarm. Subsequent checks discovered a small gap 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 place and criminal damage, before being arrested again on suspicion of “entering a prohibited place for a purpose detrimental to the United Kingdom” under the National Security Act 2023. RAF Molesworth is used by US personnel and hosts command operations and intelligence analysis, as well as a NATO intelligence centre. It is not used for air operations. Last month, several men were arrested over an alleged plot to attack RAF Fairford, 145 kilometers west of London. The British government has linked the alleged plot to Iran, which denied any involvement. The incident raised concerns about security at British military bases, particularly those used by US forces. The United States said on Monday that a threat linked to Iran had prompted the withdrawal of its bombers from Fairford. “We are very aware of the recent increase in interest and concern around military sites, but at this time there is nothing to suggest that this incident is related 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 resided in Britain and that officers were searching two addresses in the area around Peterborough, a nearby city. Bomb disposal officers checked the abandoned vehicle but found nothing concerning, police said. “We are very vigilant about potential threats to our military sites and are working closely with police to keep them safe,” Defense Minister Wes Streeting said in a post on X. A US Air Force spokesperson said they appreciated the quick response and support from local authorities. “We remain in close coordination with our UK partners to help ensure the safety of our military and local communities,” the spokesperson added.
