Twelve people have been arrested – including three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder – after what police described as a “potential serious threat” from extreme right-wing terrorists against an Islamic gathering in Suffolk. The arrests were made while the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall was already under way, with sources suggesting the intervention came late.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said officers moved “extremely quickly” to detain suspects across the country after becoming aware of a credible threat to the four-day religious gathering, which was attended by an estimated 15,000 people. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the police response “undoubtedly saved lives”.
“12 arrested over credible far-right threat to Islamic event in Suffolk; three held for conspiracy to murder.”
Among those arrested were a man aged 82 and two others, aged 55 and 60, detained in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. A 48-year-old woman was arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender. Eight other men were held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, including a 27-year-old in Ipswich, a 35-year-old in Greater Manchester, two men aged 42 in Essex, two men aged 27 and 29 in Surrey, and two men aged 31 and 33 in London. One of the conspiracy to murder suspects has since been released on bail; the remaining three and the eight terrorism act detainees stay in custody.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said: “I know this news may be concerning to the public and particularly those in the Muslim community … 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.”
The event – UK Ijtima, meaning “gathering” – brought Muslims together for worship, study and reflection. Organisers said it “remained throughout a peaceful religious gathering” and that many attendees cheered on England in their World Cup victory over Norway at a local pub. On Sunday, Suffolk Police advised organisers to close the event slightly early as a precaution, and a major incident was declared but later stood down.
Mahmood added: “I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims. We must stand against hatred, and we must unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous and tolerant to all our communities.”
CTP confirmed the investigation is “extreme rightwing terrorism” related and is searching multiple addresses nationwide. There is no wider threat to the public, but Flanagan reminded that the UK’s terror threat level remains “severe”. Officers urged anyone with concerns to report via the ACT website or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline.
