Counter terrorism police investigate RAF Brize Norton break-in

The Oxfordshire military airbase was broken into in the early hours of Friday, June 20.

Footage posted online by Palestine Action on Friday morning shows two people inside the RAF base.

The clip shows one person riding an electric scooter up to an Airbus Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker and appearing to spray paint into its jet engine.

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Specialist counter terrorism officers are working closely with officers from Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence Police.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation should call Counter Terrorism Policing South East via Thames Valley Police’s non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 43250305575.

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “disturbed” by the vandalism, while Sir Keir Starmer said it was “disgraceful”.

“I am really disturbed that this happened and have ordered an investigation and a review of wider security at our bases,” Mr Healey said.

“These aircraft are used by our military personnel to support security and peace around the world.

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“This action does nothing to support Gaza or our push for peace and stability in the Middle East.”

A spokesman for the campaign group said: “Despite publicly condemning the Israeli Government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets.

“Britain isn’t just complicit, it’s an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.

“By decommissioning two military planes, Palestine Action have directly intervened in the genocide and prevented crimes against the Palestinian people.”

RAF Brize Norton serves as the hub for UK strategic air transport and refuelling, including flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets. We are working closely with the police who are investigating.

“Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain.

“They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all.

“It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”

Sir Keir said in a post on Twitter/X: “The act of vandalism committed at RAF Brize Norton is disgraceful.

“Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain and put their lives on the line for us every day.

“It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “We have received a report of people gaining access to RAF Brize Norton and causing criminal damage.

“An investigation has been launched and we are working with the Ministry of Defence Police and partners at RAF Brize Norton.

“Inquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest those responsible.”