21.   The army had sealed off the area and launched house-to-house searches for militants, a police spokesman added.

22.   The British soldiers remained in the base through the early evening awaiting an assurance from the Serb police that they would not block them again, the spokesman added.

23.   The aircrew were not injured in the incident and are both safe and well on board, added the spokesman.

24.   The pilot ejected and was picked up safely, added the spokesman.