Twelve people have been arrested following an alleged extreme right-wing terror threat that forced an Islamic event in Suffolk to close early this weekend. The UK Ijtima gathering at Shrubland Hall was disrupted after police received intelligence about a potential serious attack.
Arrests across the country
Three of the suspects—men aged 55, 60, and 82—were arrested in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, according to police. A 48-year-old woman was also arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender. Eight other men were held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act, including two men aged 27 and 29 arrested in Surrey, two men both aged 42 held in Essex, a 27-year-old man arrested in Ipswich, and a 35-year-old man in Greater Manchester, all on Sunday. Two additional men, aged 31 and 33, were arrested in London on Monday.
Police response and threat level
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 several arrests in various locations across the country. 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.' The current UK threat level remains 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely.
Event organisers respond
Thousands attended the peaceful gathering over the weekend. Organisers said: 'The UK Ijtima remained throughout a peaceful religious gathering dedicated to prayer, spiritual reflection, learning and community values. The spirit of togetherness was also evident beyond the formal programme. The vast majority of attendees joined people across the country in cheering on England during their World Cup victory over Norway. It was a positive and memorable moment that reflected the shared pride, interests and sense of belonging that unite communities across Britain.'
