Terror police arrest 12 over ‘serious threats’ to Islamic event at Suffolk country mansion

Twelve people have been arrested by counter-terrorism police after far-right terrorists allegedly threatened an Islamic event at a country estate.

World War II at Barham near Ipswich in Suffolk. The UK Ijtima, held at the class-listed Shrubland Hall and attended by at least 15,000 people over the weekend, was forced to close early following a warning from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing Unit.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, while eight others were detained under the Terrorism Act 2000.

A woman was also arrested on suspicion of aiding a criminal.

The arrests, which involved people aged between 27 and 82, were declared a major incident in locations around England, including Surrey, east London, Suffolk and Greater Manchester.

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.

‘I would also like to thank the organizers of the event and the public affected by it.

People of all ages and nationalities attended the event, which lasted from Friday until yesterday.

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

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’m 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 be 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 deeply 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.’

The religious gathering was being held by the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926 that is now one of the largest religious movements in the world.

The religious meeting was being held by the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926 that is now one of the largest religious movements in the world.

It is understood that approximately 15,000 people attended the event organized by Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of London’s Counter Terrorism Police, said officers acted “extremely quickly” to make arrests “after becoming aware of a potentially serious threat to the Islamic incident”.

Bishwa Ijtima in Bangladesh attracted millions, while Raiwind Ijtima in Pakistan hosted hundreds of thousands.

The event, which runs from Friday to yesterday, is billed as a time of reflection and spiritual renewal and usually includes prayers five times a day.

Built in the 1770s and sold by Baron de Saumarez in 2006 to meet his inheritance bill, the Hall was purchased by London-based businessman and founder of the British Institute of Technology, Dr Mohammed Farmer, for £6 million in 2009.

ExCel was selected ahead of the NEC in London and Birmingham and was described in online promotional material ahead of the event as “perfectly suited for the meeting, offering ample space and unlimited parking for over 100,000 attendees.”

The same material stated that ‘Hazratji’, the title given to the senior leader of the movement, will also be present.

Local media reported in April that Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, which are responsible for planning and licensing in the area, complained that no one had contacted the Safety Advisory Group normally expected for public events.

The body brings together Suffolk Police, highways and county council teams, as well as fire and ambulance services.

Referring to the early closure of events, organizers said in a statement: ‘This decision was taken for the sole purpose of public safety, after police shared intelligence indicating a credible risk of disorder from people wishing to travel to the area…

The venue was chosen ahead of ExCel London and the NEC in Birmingham

‘As responsible organisers, we immediately accepted the advice of Suffolk Police and worked closely with officers to facilitate the safe and orderly departure of all participants.

‘The well-being of our guests, neighboring residents and the wider community has always been our top priority.’

Ruman Muhith, Labor member of Ipswich Borough Council, was at the event on the first two days.

He said this had benefited local businesses such as taxi firms and shops, while local residents in Barham, Claydon and elsewhere had shown ‘patience and understanding’.

He added: ‘The thousands of people who attended behaved with dignity and respect and it was encouraging to see such a positive atmosphere throughout the weekend.’

All the defendants remained in custody, except for one person who was released on bail.

While arrests took place yesterday and today, searches continue at ‘various addresses across the country’.

The investigation is being carried out by officers from CTP London with support from colleagues in the Eastern Area Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), CTP North West and CTP South East. The investigation team is also in close contact with colleagues at Suffolk Police.

Ruman Muhith, Labor member of Ipswich Borough Council, was at the event on the first two days and said attendees were ‘well-behaved and respectful’

Deputy Chief Constable Alice Scott, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: ‘We recognize that the arrests and the context behind them may raise some concerns within our local communities.

‘We will have a visible police presence in the Shrubland Hall area over the coming days to provide some reassurance and we welcome local people to talk to us about the issue if they wish.

‘The situation was declared a major incident in the early hours of Sunday morning, with a multi-agency response convened to ensure a safe and properly coordinated departure from the event of 15,000 attendees. Major incident status was withdrawn earlier today.

‘This was a complex and fast-paced scenario where it was a priority for all agencies to work together to ensure the safety of all participants…

‘We can reassure the public that everyone has left the area safely.’