RAF Mildenhall incident: 44-year-old British man detained under Mental Health Act after 'ramming car into US base'

Police say there is no wider risk to the public or indications of links to terrorism

US Air Force Base RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk (PA)

A man accused of ramming his car through a military checkpoint at RAF Mildenhall has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The unnamed 44-year-old was initially arrested on suspicion of trespass and criminal damage at the base, which is used by US forces.

American guards opened fire on the car as it forced its way through a security checkpoint but the driver was not seriously injured.

Defence sources said they could not confirm reports by the Daily Mail that the suspect had a “teddy bear strapped to his body” and had posed as a member of the US Secret Service.

Police said there was no indication of a link to terrorism after a lockdown was implemented as a precaution.

“There is no wider threat to the public or occupants on the base and no other people have been injured as a result of the incident,” a spokesperson for Suffolk Constabulary said.

“Police investigations into the incident continue and anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101.”

A spokesperson for the US Air Force said operations had returned to normal at RAF Mildenhall, which is home to units including the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, an intelligence squadron and Air Force Special Operations Command.

The incident started at around 1.40pm on Monday and the lockdown was lifted less than an hour later.

“We've concluded our combined US-UK response to this incident and we are continuing to support local authorities in the ongoing investigation,” a US military spokesperson added.

A small contingent of British liaison officers are also stationed at the base and the Ministry of Defence confirmed no personnel were injured in the incident.

RAF Mildenhall was previously among the American bases targeted by Isis supporter Junead Khan, who was jailed for preparing a terror attack in April 2016.