Biodun.BBC: RAF Mildenhall: Shots fired in security alert at US base

Monday, December 18, 2017

by Selina O'Grady and Biodun Iginla, BBC News, Suffolk, UK

A man has been arrested after apparently trying to drive through a checkpoint at a base used by the US Air Force in Suffolk.

Shots were fired by US personnel before the man was detained at RAF Mildenhall.

He suffered cuts and bruises and is now in the custody of Suffolk Police.

The base was temporarily put into lockdown as police responded to reports of what they called a "significant incident". Suffolk police are currently at the scene.

The force advised people to avoid the area for the time being.

RAF Mildenhall is protected by Ministry of Defence police and US armed guards.

The base is used as a transport hub by the US and is home to a fleet of refuelling aircraft and special operations forces.

It has about 3,200 military personnel, with 400-500 UK civilian staff employed there.

The US Air Force said in September it was delaying plans to relocate operations to a base in Germany until 2024.

RAF Mildenhall has previously been a potential target for a terror attack against US military personnel. In May 2016, Junead Khan was given a life sentence for preparing terrorist acts after a court heard how he used his job as a delivery driver to gather information about the base.