How did Mildenhall become crucial to the US Air Force?

RAF Mildenhall began life as a base for British bombers throughout the 1930s and World War Two before becoming a hub for US operations in Europe in 1951. Residents in west Suffolk are used to the sight and sounds of huge planes. RAF Lakenheath, also used by the US military, is just 5.5 miles (8.8km) away from Mildenhall.

On Monday, reports emerged that almost all aircraft had left RAF Mildenhall due to an alleged threat from Iran. But what is the significance of the base? The USAF's other UK bases include RAF Lakenheath, also in Suffolk - home to the 48th Fighter Wing operating F-15 and F-35 jets - and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which regularly hosts deployments of long-range American aircraft.

Ian Shipp, a Mildenhall town councillor, said: "I've had a number of people contact me this morning, they are concerned. "They'd like to know what's happening, there's a lot of speculation - there's a lot of rumours going around on social media.