Twelve people have been arrested in connection with an extreme right-wing terror threat targeting an Islamic event at a country estate in Suffolk, according to Counter Terrorism Police London. The UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall was closed early on Sunday as a precautionary measure after authorities became aware of a potential serious threat.
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 thanked Suffolk Police for their support, which led to the declaration of a major incident on Sunday. 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.”
Eight of the 12 individuals have been arrested and detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Those arrested include: a 27-year-old man in Surrey on 12 July; a 35-year-old man in Greater Manchester on 12 July; a 31-year-old man in east London on 13 July; two 42-year-old men in Essex on 12 July; a 33-year-old man in southeast London on 13 July; a 29-year-old man in Surrey on 12 July; and a 27-year-old man in Ipswich on 12 July. Additionally, three other men, aged 55, 60, and 82, were arrested in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while a 48-year-old woman was arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Government Reaction
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised the police response, saying it “undoubtedly saved lives” in tackling a “credible threat” to the UK Ijtima festival. She stated: “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.”
Public Safety and Vigilance
Police have confirmed there is no believed wider threat to the public connected to the incident. Commander Flanagan urged the public to remain vigilant, noting that the UK threat level remains at “severe.” She said: “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.” The event, although ending slightly earlier than planned, passed off safely.
