Police detained two men they suspected were trying to steal a bicycle while unaware of being right next to the UK’s highest security spy HQ.
The two men, said to be heading towards a supermarket to buy alcohol for a party, were detained by armed officers in Cheltenham.
The arrests came close to GCHQ‘s main British base dubbed ‘The Doughnut’.
The ring-shaped headquarters is home to the nation’s leading codebreakers and cyber-security analysts, surrounded by razor-wire fences, CCTV and guards.
One of the suspects has now told of being sent to a nearby Asda supermarket by fellow party-goers.
He described being nominated as the most sober of the group, before being detained.
He and a fellow suspect were caught after believing they could take a short cut through a car park, it has been reported.
Painter and decorator Terry White, 47, told the Sun: ‘As I told the cops, all I wanted to do was buy a few cans.
Police have caught a couple accused of being drunk in a park and trying to steal a bicycle while unaware they were right next to the UK’s highest security spy HQ in Cheltenham (pictured)
The ring-shaped headquarters is home to the nation’s leading codebreakers and cyber-security analysts, surrounded by razor-wire fences, CCTV and guards
‘It looked like a normal car park. There was a barrier, but it was raised and there were no warnings or signs.
‘I’m born and bred in Cheltenham so I’ve always been aware of GCHQ. But I had no idea this car park was part of it.’
The father-of six added: ‘When we got to the other end, I was confronted by a huge metal fence, about three metres high.
‘We were thinking about climbing over it when suddenly a police car pulled up on the other side and an officer jumped out and shouted, “Stop there”.
‘It was a really scary experience and not one I would ever want to go through again.’
Gloucestershire Police have said two men were detained in a car park, with a bag of tools discovered close by last Friday at about 5pm.
The force said in a statement: ‘It is believed they were attempting to steal a bike.
‘The two men, who are both in their 40s and from Cheltenham, were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.
The arrests came close to GCHQ’s British base dubbed ‘The Doughnut’ where analysts work
‘They have been released on bail pending further inquiries.’
Cheltenham houses the government’s top-secret intelligence, security and cyber agency GCHQ in the Benhall area of the town.
The HQ in Cheltenham is home to one of the three UK Intelligence and Security Agencies, along with MI5 and MI6.
Officials say GCHQ protects the UK and its citizens, keeps deployed forces safe and helps law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorist activity and serious and organised crime.
The agency aims at identifying cyber espionage activity targeting UK industry and individuals and gathers intelligence to better understand new and emerging threats.
It also strives to safeguard current systems, communications and electronic data, according to authorities.
