A US refuelling jet has diverted to Scotland after declaring an emergency over the Atlantic Ocean.

The four-engine Boeing KC-135R jet reported a problem off the west coast of Scotland and diverted to Glasgow Prestwick airport.

The jet landed safely shortly after 8am.

The KC-135R jet, declared an emergency while off the west coast of Scotland, file photo

Several KC-135s are based at RAF Mildenhall although other jets regularly cross the Atlantic

According to flight tracking radar, the aircraft declared an emergency at 26,202 feet near the isles of Jura and Mull.

Glasgow Prestwick airport confirmed the pilot of the US Military jet was facing 'technical difficulties' and requested a diversion as a precaution.

A spokeman said: 'We can confirm that an aircraft diverted to Glasgow Prestwick Airport today, due to technical issues. The aircraft landed safely with no further issues.'

The KC-135R is used to refuel other military jets, especially fighters sent to monitor Russian nuclear capable bombers flying towards Nato areas of interest.

The KC-135 can refuel fighter jets and other aircraft mid-air and can carry almost 91-tonnes of fuel in its tanks to top off other aircraft.

The KC-135s are based on the original design of the Boeing 707 passenger aircraft although have been extensively modified since entering service in 1956.

According to the US Air Force, the KC-135 can also be used to transport cargo or evacuate medical patients.

In October, a KC-135R declared an emergency moments after departing RAF Mildenhall because of a problem with its autopilot.