A US Air Force bomber declared an “emergency” while travelling over the south coast of England this morning.
The B52 bomber was seen circling at approximately 10,000 feet just east of Southampton.
The aircraft, believed to be a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, had sent out a 7700 signal before started to descend.
A 7700 signal is the standard code pilots use to say there is a general emergency on board.
It is understood these signals are related to a depressurisation issue, reports The Express.
The aircraft has now returned to its primary deployment hub at RAF Fairford, which is often used for Nato exercises and long-range missions across Europe and Africa.
It also has one of the longest runways in the UK, strong enough to support large aircraft like the B-52.
Sir Keir Starmer had previously granted the US permission only for “defensive” action against Iranian missile sites from the Gloucestershire base and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
The Boeing B-52H Stratofortress declared an emergency (file pic)
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PA
The Ministry of Defence has said the US was using British bases “for specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region, which is putting British lives at risk”.
A spokesman said: “This is alongside the defensive action the UK is taking to protect British people across the region.
“We won’t be providing a running commentary on our allies’ operations, including their use of our bases.”