Redstone Arsenal base in Alabama on lockdown for two hours after false alarm of active shooter

Authorities in Alabama are responding to reports of a possible active shooter at Redstone Arsenal - a military base near Huntsville.

Reports suggested an incident at the Sparkman Center on the base, but there is no confirmation so far that there is a gunman. Hospitals have not reported any admissions.

The base is the army's centre for rockets and missiles.

It is also home to Nasa's Marshall Space Flight Center. 

Christopher Colster, spokesman for the Redstone Arsenal, said: “It’s a scary situation but I believe one we’re prepared for. 

“We have no reports of casualties. If it comes to it, run, hide fight, all that stuff we’re been preparing for for years.”

It came a day before an active shooter drill was scheduled to take place, although officials at the base assured staff members today's alert is a "real world event".

The original arsenal was formed in 1941, and used to make ammunition and toxic chemicals during the Second World War, when it employed 19,000.

The department of defense says it is home to 835 active duty members of the military, with over 5,000 family members.

Almost 37,000 civilian contractors work on the base.

It is also home to over 40,000 retired servicemen and their families, living over 32,000 acres.

Robert Aderholt, a congressman for Alabama, said his staff was monitoring the reports.

Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, is being updated about the situation, but her office was not able to provide any details.

"My office is aware of the developing situation at Redstone Arsenal, and we are monitoring it closely," she said in a statement. 

"I am praying for a swift resolution to this matter."