Claims drone shot down over RAF Mildenhall welcomed

RAF Mildenhall is one of three US air bases in the region, alongside RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk, that has been targeted with several nights of drone activity recently. 

Chrystal Mason, 40, who lives in Beck Row, near RAF Mildenhall, told the East Anglian Daily Times she believes she saw one drone shot down on Monday evening.

Chrystal Mason, from Beck Row (Image: Chrystal Mason) Ms Mason, the step-daughter of a US fighter pilot, said: "I saw something that looked like it had been shot out of the sky.

"What I saw came down and then fizzled out, to me it looked like a drone had been shot down."

Responding to Ms Mason's claims, Andy Neal, who represents Mildenhall Queensway on West Suffolk Council, said: "It is great news if a drone has been shot down. Perhaps with serial numbers on parts recovered it will lead to identification of ownership."

Andy Neal, for Mildenhall Queensway (Image: WSC) He continued: "Flying drones close to or over a military air base is a threat for security and the culprits have no good intentions when doing so.

"It must be treated as a criminal act the dealt with as one."

There has been an increased security presence in the area since the drones were first reported on November 20. 

Sixty British troops have been drafted in to help the United States Air Force investigate the mystery aircraft. 

Drones have been spotted over RAF bases in Suffolk (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) A criminal investigation has been launched into the drone incursions at the bases.

During a debate on UK Air and Missile Defences last Wednesday, Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, reassured ministers that those responsible will be "shown the full force of the law" for their "illegal activities".

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We take threats seriously and maintain robust measures at defence sites.

"We are supporting the US Air Force response.”