THE commander of a Suffolk airbase from which an airman was shot dead yesterday pledged his support for the affected families.

Two airmen were killed and a further two injured in the shooting at Frankfurt International Airport, on Wednesday. One of the airmen killed was part of a security forces team stationed at RAF Lakenheath. The second was a vehicle operator stationed at Ramstein Air Base.

Of the two injured, one was listed as being in a critical condition and the other in a serious condition. The shooting took place on a US Air Force bus outside the airport’s Terminal 2.

The bus was transporting a 15-member Security Forces team from the airport to Ramstein Air Base. They were on their way to Afghanistan. German authorities have arrested a man in connection with the shootings.

This morning, West Suffolk MP Matthew Hanock said: “I was saddened and shocked by the news of the shooting.

“The US base at RAF Lakenheath is an integral part of the Suffolk community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these men at this difficult time.”

General Mark Welsh III, commander of US Air Forces in Europe, said: “We are working closely with German authorities to fully investigate this incident. Despite this terrible tragedy we believe Germany is a safe place for our airmen and their families to live and work.”

Yesterday, Colonel John Quintas, 48th Fighter Wing commander at RAF Lakenheath, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm that airmen from this wing were involved in a shooting incident at Frankfurt Airport.

“I would like to add my personal sympathy to the families and friends of the airmen that were killed or injured in the tragedy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. As you deal with this tragedy, you’re not alone. We are your family.”

US President Barack Obama promised to “spare no effort” in investigating the killings.