Twelve arrested over threat to an Islamic event in Suffolk
Twelve people have been arrested over alleged right-wing terrorist threats against an Islamic event at a country estate in Suffolk, police said.
Counter Terrorism Police (CTP) said the UK Ijtima event, held at Shrubland Hall in Barham, London, was terminated in the early hours of Sunday as a precaution following the possible threat.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said the police response in dealing with a “credible threat” to the festival “undoubtedly saved lives”.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of London Counter Terrorism Police, said officers moved quickly to make arrests in various parts of the country.
CTP confirmed that the investigation was “related to right-wing terrorism” and that police officers carried out searches at various addresses across the country linked to those arrested.
The report stated that eight people were arrested and detained under Article 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and are still being detained.
Three other men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and one woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
While one of them was released on bail, the other 3 people are still in custody.
Police confirmed they declared a major incident after being made aware of a “potential serious threat” to the event, but this has since been withdrawn.
The following arrests took place across the country:
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Five men aged 27, 29, 55, 60 and 82 were arrested in Surrey
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A 35-year-old man was arrested in Manchester
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Two 42-year-old men arrested in Essex
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A 33-year-old man was arrested in south-east London
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A 48-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were arrested in east London
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A 27-year-old man was arrested in Ipswich
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Flanagan added that police “will not hesitate to take action” if there is a potential threat.
“Unfortunately, this activity is a stark reminder that the threat level in the UK remains ‘severe’, so we urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything that doesn’t look or feel right.”
Mahmood added: “I know this is extremely worrying news for British Muslims.
“We must stand against hate and unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous and tolerant towards all our communities.”
CTP said it is believed there is no wider threat to the public in connection with this matter.
