Twelve people have been arrested after an alleged extreme right-wing terror plot forced an Islamic event in Suffolk to close early this weekend. The UK Ijtima gathering at Shrubland Hall was threatened by a group suspected of extreme right-wing terrorism, police said.
Arrests across the country
Three of the 12 suspects were arrested in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, according to police. A 48-year-old woman was arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender. Eight other men were held under section 41 of the Terrorism Act.
Among those arrested under the Terrorism Act are two men aged 27 and 29 in Surrey, two men both aged 42 in Essex, a 27-year-old man in Ipswich, and a 35-year-old man in Greater Manchester, all arrested on Sunday. Two additional men, aged 31 and 33, were held in London on Monday.
Police response
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: 'After becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event in Suffolk, we have moved extremely quickly to make several arrests in various locations across the country. 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.'
The current UK threat level remains 'severe', meaning an attack is highly likely. The public is urged to remain vigilant.
Event details
Thousands of people attended the UK Ijtima over the weekend at the grounds of an historic country home. Organisers said: 'The UK Ijtima remained throughout a peaceful religious gathering dedicated to prayer, spiritual reflection, learning and community values. The spirit of togetherness was also evident beyond the formal programme. The vast majority of attendees joined people across the country in cheering on England during their World Cup victory over Norway. It was a positive and memorable moment that reflected the shared pride, interests and sense of belonging that unite communities across Britain.'
