Twelve arrested over right-wing terror threat to Suffolk Islamic event

Twelve arrested over right-wing terror threat to Suffolk Islamic event

Counter-terrorism police have arrested 11 men and one woman following an extreme right-wing terror threat directed at an Islamic gathering in Suffolk. The UK Ijtima event, held at Shrubland Hall at Barham between July 9 and July 12, was ended early on Sunday as a precaution.

The response involved a multi-agency effort to manage the departure of 15,000 attendees. Suffolk Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott described the situation as a complex and fast moving scenario and noted that the situation was declared a major incident early Sunday morning. That status was withdrawn on Monday.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the police response to this credible threat had undoubtedly saved lives.

Arrests and Custody

The arrests were carried out across several locations, including London, Surrey, Greater Manchester, and Ipswich. The suspects include:

• Eight men arrested and detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. These individuals are aged between 27 and 42 and remain in police custody.
• Three men, aged 55, 60 and 82, who were arrested in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
• One woman, aged 48, arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police confirmed that of the four people arrested for conspiracy to murder or assisting an offender, one person has been released on bail while the other three remain in custody. One source reports the oldest of those arrested is 81-years-old, while another reports the oldest is 82.

Investigation Scope

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London is spearheading the probe, with assistance from CTP North West, CTP South East, and the Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU). Officers are currently conducting searches at various addresses across the country linked to the suspects.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, stated that officers moved extremely quickly after becoming aware of the potential serious threat. She noted that the activity serves as a stark reminder that the UK threat level is currently at severe.

Despite the early conclusion of the festival, Flanagan said the event passed off safely. Police have stated they do not believe there is any wider threat to the public connected to this matter.

Community Impact

The Home Secretary addressed the impact of the threat on the community, saying:

"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."

Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary

To provide reassurance, Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott announced that there will be a visible police presence in the area of Shrubland Hall over the coming days. She thanked the event organizers and attendees for remaining calm during the evacuation.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity via the ACT website or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline.