UK police said two Latvian men have been arrested on suspicion of trespassing near a Royal Air Force base in eastern England.
The incident occurred at RAF Molesworth, about 110 km north of London. At around 10 pm local time on Wednesday (Oct. 7), a Ministry of Defence police patrol reported finding an abandoned vehicle near the base. After searching the area, officers found a small gap in the base fence. At around 2 am on Thursday, police found and arrested two suspects, aged 32 and 36, inside the base.
Police initially arrested the two on suspicion of "entering a prohibited area" and "criminal damage." They were later re-arrested under the UK's National Security Act on suspicion of entering a controlled area for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the UK. The case has been handed over to UK counter-terrorism police.
Police said there is currently no indication that the case is linked to an attempted terror attack at RAF Fairford in southwest England on Sep. 27.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting posted on social media that he remains highly vigilant about potential threats to military facilities, and that protecting bases relies on layered defences, including physical barriers, patrols, surveillance, monitoring and counter-drone capabilities.
RAF Molesworth is used by the US Air Force and hosts the US military intelligence centre for Europe and Africa, as well as a NATO intelligence centre. The base is not used for flying missions.
Related News:
Hinting at return to EU? UK PM says Brexit has caused more harm than good
Comment