FEARS were growing today that the possible closure of BAE Systems' factory in Prestwick could lead to job losses in Samlesbury.

Mike Turner, the aerospace giant's chief executive, has hinted that the company is seeking a buyer for its Prestwick factory and that it could close if one was not found.

BAE said in a statement that it did not regard its Aerostructures operation, which also has a base in Samlesbury, as "core business".

The 1,000-strong workforce in Scotland is said to be shellshocked by Mike Turner's comments, which came without any warning.

Aerostructures' work at Samlesbury, making components for the Airbus passenger jet, represents only a small part of the business, employing around 400 people.

The vast majority of the 3,500 people employed there work on military aircraft such as the Eurofighter and the Joint Strike Fighter.

Union leaders at Samlesbury will be seeking clarification of BAE's announcement and how it could affect their members.

The engineering union Amicus said there had been no consultation about any proposed sell off or possible closure.

BAE's statement said: "Aerostructures is a successful and viable business with a substantial order book comprising a number of long-term projects.

"BAE Systems' strategy is to focus on its systems integration businesses and to this end, Aerostructures does not form part of the core.

"The company is therefore reviewing whether the Aerostructures business should remain in BAE Systems ownership or whether the Aerostructures business strategy would be better served as part of another organisation where it would be a central part of the business."

Ayr MP Sandra Osborne is due to meet BAE's management in an attempt to clarify the situation.

She said: "The strategy as far as I have been aware was to bring high-quality work in to Prestwick.

"If this is not the case, and the strategy has changed I think the workforce need to be told."