'Iranian drone impacts airfield' at RAF Akrotiri as blast rocks British base - security alert declared

A "security threat" was then declared at the base just before midnight, telling staff to "return to your homes and stay inside until further notice".

Staff were told to "move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture".

It then emerged the RAF base had been struck by a "small drone" which "impacted the airfield".

It was confirmed that no casualties as a result of the strike, but "minor damage" had been caused.

The drone is said to have been a Shahed-136, a one-way attack drone which has been used regularly by the Russian military for strikes in the Ukraine war.

Personnel at the base have been told to remain sheltered until further instruction, with warnings delivered that there "there may be additional impact".

Sources have told GB News the attack was a "wake up call for the United Kingdom" after Sir Keir Starmer said the British military would only engage in defensive actions in the Middle East.

The base hosts American, British and Israeli military personnel.

Sir Keir has said the RAF has not participated in any "offensive action", but RAF jets had been deployed from Qatar for defensive action.

A number of British planes left the base shortly after the blast.

The planes include at least two fighter jets and one support plane.

The Prime Minister had said the country must learn from "the mistakes of Iraq" and only allow strikes for "limited defensive purpose".

Sir Keir has allowed the use of RAF bases by the American military for "specific and limited defensive purposes".

He added the decision had been made in accordance with international law, and the government would publish a summary of its legal advice.

"We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved," said Sir Keir.

Discussions had long been held between President Donald Trump and the Government about the legality of strikes on Iran.

In a joint statement with France and Germany, the UK said they were ready to defend their interests in the region after "indiscriminate" military strikes.

The so-called "E3" countries have urged a resumption of negotiations in order to find a "negotiated solution".

The trio also urged Iran to end its nuclear programme, "curb" its intercontinental ballistic missile programme, and "refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands".

The UK had not taken part in offensive strikes on Iran which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - but RAF fighters did take down an Iranian drone bound for Qatar.

Earlier today, Defence Secretary John Healey said two missiles had been fired in the direction of Cyprus, which at the time was denied by Cypriot authorities.