Police arrest 12 in ‘extreme right-wing’ terror threat investigation

12 people were arrested after an Islamic event was closed early due to a threat from far-right terrorists.

Organizers of the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk were advised by police to finish the event earlier than planned on Sunday due to the potential threat.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of London Counter Terrorism Police, said: “After becoming aware of a potentially serious threat to the Islamic incident in Suffolk, we acted extremely quickly to make a number of arrests at locations across the country.

“I would like to thank my colleagues at Suffolk Police for their continued support, which led to the declaration of a major incident on Sunday in response to this.

“I would also like to thank the event organizers and the public who were affected by this.

“Given that we believe the intended target was an Islamic incident, I understand that this news may be of interest to the public and the Muslim community in particular.

But as we have shown, we will not hesitate to take action when faced with any potential threat, no matter who or what the potential target is.

“I am also pleased to say that although the event finished slightly earlier than planned, it still finished safely.

“Sadly, 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.”

Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said police were investigating a credible threat to the incident.

He said: “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 to all our communities.”