Military air base on lockdown as 'shelter-in-place' order issued

An Air Force base in Italy has been placed on lockdown on Wednesday morning "due to an ongoing situation" at one of its entry points.

The NAS Sigonella issued a statement on its official Facebook page, in which it warned there was an "ongoing situation" at one of its areas, known as NAS 2.

A statement issued by the base read: "Due to an ongoing situation at the NAS Sigonella (NAS 2) entry control point, a lockdown/shelter-in-place remains in effect.

"All personnel onboard NAS 2 are directed to follow the instructions from Naval Security Forces and monitor AtHoc for updates.

"Inbound and outbound traffic at the NAS 2 base entry control points is secured. Traffic has been redirected to the East ITAF Gate. Personnel should avoid traveling on highway SP105 between Marinai Housing Complex and NAS 2."

The Sigonella airport, also known as Cosimo Di Palma airport, is a military air hub located in Sicily and controlled by the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (the Italian air force).

It is also home to the Naval Air Station Sigonella (or NAS Sigonella) controlled by the US Air Force. The NAS 2 area includes a defence deposit used by the USA as a logistic base.

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.For the latest news and breaking news visit: /newsStay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/DailyExpress and @daily_express