Twelve people have been arrested after police uncovered what they described as a “potential serious threat” to an Islamic gathering in Suffolk – a plot that forced the event to close early and triggered a major incident declaration. Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed the investigation concerns a suspected extreme right-wing terrorism threat directed at the UK Ijtima event, which took place at Shrubland Hall between July 9 and July 12. As a precautionary measure, officers collaborated with Suffolk Police to recommend that organisers conclude the event slightly ahead of schedule on Sunday, July 12. Authorities confirmed the event ended safely and there is no indication of any broader threat to the public in connection with the investigation.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “After becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event in Suffolk, we have moved extremely quickly to make a number of arrests in various locations across the country. I would like to thank colleagues in Suffolk Police for their ongoing support, which led to the declaration of a major incident on Sunday in response to this. I’d also like to thank the event organisers and the public who have been impacted by this. I know this news may be concerning to the public and particularly those in the Muslim community, given that we believe the intended target was an Islamic event. But as we have shown, we will not hesitate to act if there is any potential threat, no matter who or what the potential target may be. I’m also pleased to say that although the event ended slightly earlier than planned, it nevertheless passed off safely. Sadly, this activity is a stark reminder that the threat level in the UK is at ‘severe’, so we urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything if it doesn’t look or feel right.”
“12 arrested after police uncover suspected far-right plot to attack Islamic event in Suffolk; event ended safely.”
Eight men have been arrested and detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in police custody at this time. Three additional men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and a woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Of those, one man has since been released on bail, while the other three remain in police custody. Officers are conducting searches at multiple addresses nationwide connected to those detained. The investigation is led by officers from CTP London, supported by colleagues from the Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU), CTP North West and CTP South East. The investigation team is also maintaining regular contact with Suffolk Police. Anyone with information is urged to report it via the ACT website or by calling the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, dial 999.