An American B-52 bomber which was forced to land at RAF Mildenhall after an engine fire has been able to return to the United States after being repaired.

Eastern Daily Press: A B-52 had to make an emergency landing at RAF Mildenhall. Photo: Stewart JackA B-52 had to make an emergency landing at RAF Mildenhall. Photo: Stewart Jack (Image: Stewart Jack)

The plane, which is part of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, landed on Monday, June 17, when it experienced an in-flight emergency during an exercise over Europe.

A spokesman for the base said: "A B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, was at RAF Mildenhall for approximately three months to undergo maintenance after experiencing an in-flight emergency. It departed RAF Mildenhall on 17 September."

No injuries were reported when the plane landed and it was not armed.

The bomber had been intercepted by Russian fighter jets after it was seen flying towards the Russian border over the Baltic and Black Seas. Russian TV station RT said that the B-52s did not cross the Russian border.