Blasts have been confirmed in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. One fatality has been recorded in the latter following debris striking a residential neighbourhood, reports the Manchester Evening News.

US naval facilities in Qatar came under missile attack, whilst detonations were also detected in Doha.

In Bahrain, strikes focused on the US Fifth Fleet Naval Command, with further explosions reported in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.

Anderson, who had only just touched down in the UAE with her young daughter, Bonnie, posted a short but reassuring update on her Instagram story. "Horrendous situation. Bonnie and I are fine," she penned, alongside a white heart emoji.

Merely hours earlier, she had been uploading cheerful footage of their arrival and a "freezing" pool at their lodgings. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent "shelter in place" directive for British citizens currently residing in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

"British nationals should immediately shelter in place. They should remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities," the statement read.

The aviation sector in the region has come to a standstill. Wizz Air has put a halt to all flights to Israel, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Concurrently, there have been reports of UK-bound flights executing emergency 180-degree turns mid-flight to evade the shutting airspace over the Gulf.

These strikes follow US President Donald Trump's declaration of "major combat operations" in Iran overnight.

The situation continues to be highly unstable, with thousands of Western expats and holidaymakers-including celebrities such as Kate and Rio Ferdinand and Amir Khan-trapped in the lockdown areas.