Twelve individuals have been detained as part of an extreme right-wing terrorism investigation linked to an alleged threat directed at an Islamic gathering in Suffolk. Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed the probe is connected to a suspected threat aimed at the UK Ijtima event, held at Shrubland Hall between 9 and 12 July. As a precautionary measure, officers collaborated with Suffolk Police to advise event organisers to bring proceedings to a close slightly ahead of schedule on Sunday, 12 July.
Police confirmed the event concluded without incident and stressed there is no perceived wider threat to the general public in connection with the investigation.
Police Response and Arrests
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated: "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." She continued: "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."
Anyone possessing information or concerns is encouraged to submit reports through the ACT website or by contacting the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. During emergencies, the public should dial 999 immediately.
Details of Those Arrested
The dozen individuals apprehended during the investigation were:
- A 27-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July
- A 35-year-old man arrested in the Greater Manchester area on 12 July
- A 31-year-old man arrested in east London on 13 July
- A 42-year-old man arrested in Essex on 12 July
- A 42-year-old man arrested in Essex on 12 July
- A 33-year-old man arrested in southeast London on 13 July
- A 29-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July
- A 27-year-old man arrested in Ipswich on 12 July
- A 48-year-old woman arrested in East London on 13 July
- An 82-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July
- A 55-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July
- A 60-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July
Eight men have all been arrested and held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and continue to be in police custody currently. Three additional men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while a woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Among these, one individual has been released on bail, while the remaining three continue to be held in police custody at present. Police are presently conducting multiple searches at various properties nationwide connected to individuals taken into custody.
Ongoing Investigation
The probe is being led by detectives from CTP London, supported by counterparts from the Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU), CTP North West and CTP South East. The investigative team is also keeping in regular contact with officers at Suffolk Police.
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott from Suffolk Constabulary said: "We understand that the arrests and the context behind them may well cause some concern amongst our local communities. To provide some level of reassurance we will have a visible police presence in the area of Shrubland Hall over the coming days and we welcome local people to speak to us on the matter if they wish to."
The situation was declared a major incident early on Sunday morning with a multi-agency response convened to ensure a safe and properly co-ordinated departure from the event of the 15,000 attendees. The major incident status was withdrawn earlier today (Mon). "This was a complex and fast moving scenario with the priority of all the agencies working together to ensure the safety of all the attendees. The Suffolk Resilience Forum wants to thank the organiser and attendees for remaining calm in very difficult circumstances, and we can reassure the public that everyone left the location safely."
Enquiries are ongoing.
