Twelve individuals have been detained as part of an investigation into extreme right-wing terrorism connected to a suspected threat targeting an Islamic gathering in Suffolk.
Investigation Details
Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed the investigation concerns a suspected 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.
Official Statements
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."
Flanagan added: "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."
She continued: "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."
Details of the Arrests
The 12 people detained as part of 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
Legal Status of Detainees
Eight men (the first eight listed) have been arrested and detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act, 2000 and remain in police custody at this time. Three additional men (the 82-year-old, 55-year-old, and 60-year-old) were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and a woman (the 48-year-old) was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Of those, one individual (the 82-year-old) has since been released on bail, while the other three (the woman, the 55-year-old, and the 60-year-old) remain in police custody at this time.
Ongoing Searches and Police Presence
Officers are presently conducting a series of searches at multiple addresses nationwide connected to those who have been detained. The investigation is being 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 colleagues at Suffolk Police.
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott from Suffolk Constabulary stated: "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."
Event Safety and Major Incident
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 (Monday). Scott added: "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. Anyone possessing information or concerns is encouraged to report it via the ACT website or by telephoning the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, individuals should always dial 999.
