A training aid designed to look like an explosive was the cause of an alert at RAF Mildenhall yesterday.

All personnel on the base, home to the USAF 100th Air Refueling Wing, were advised to stay away from six buildings, with one of them being a petrol station.

The alert was issued at around 2.50pm on the base’s website and Facebook page.

Incoming traffic was diverted from the main gate to the entrance on the south side of the airfield.

Shortly after 7pm a press release was issued stating an “unknown object” was discovered during excavation work.

The statement continued: “The public was requested to stay out of the area in the interest of safety and to aid operations at the scene.

“All security measures were in place to ensure the safety of individuals until officials determined that the object was a training aid designed to simulate an explosive ordinance.

“Safety is a priority of all residents and base population in the area and the base worked closely in conjunction with our local community emergency response partners to access and respond to the situation quickly and safely.”