US Air Force Independence Day event at UK base cancelled over security concerns

The two-day public event at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall was cancelled 'due to the most current local threat assessments'

The Red Arrows, pictured here on a flypast above the Celtic Manor Resort on 5 September 2014 in Newport, Wales, were due to perform today at RAF Feltwell prior to the cancellation of the event (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

A US Air Force event for Independence Day at a UK base has been cancelled over security concerns.

The two-day public event hosted by USAF members based at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall was cancelled "due to the most current local threat assessments", a statement said.

The statement on the RAF Lakenheath website said: "The base continually surveys the security environment alongside host nation counterparts and must take appropriate measures based on those assessments."

The Red Arrows had been due to perform today at the event at RAF Feltwell, in Norfolk, which also was due to feature the RAF Falcons parachute team, live bands, acrobatic displays and carnival rides.

Colonel David Eaglin, vice commander of 48th Fighter Wing, said: "While we were certainly looking forward to this year's celebration and hosting the US and UK communities at RAF Feltwell, we have to put public safety first and foremost.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this cancellation has caused and we will continue to work with our UK counterparts - both military and civilian - to make sure we keep our Airmen and the local communities safe."

Col Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander, told the BBC that the show was cancelled "out of prudence", but would not confirm whether it was related to the Tunisia beach attack which killed 38 people, including 30 Britons.

He said: "What we learned over the last 48 hours ... gave us a great pause as to whether we wanted to have a large mass gathering on a military base.

"We cancelled our picnic - we haven't cancelled a single combat sortie. We haven't taken our foot off the throat of the enemy - none of that has changed.

"So if the terrorists consider us cancelling a picnic as a victory, I think they should readdress their calculus."

A spokesman for the Red Arrows tweeted yesterday: "We're sorry to say tomorrow's display and event at RAF Feltwell has been cancelled by organisers."

Additional reporting PA