Twelve arrested in London extremist threat investigation linked to Suffolk Islamic event
Police urge vigilance as threat level remains 'severe'
Twelve individuals have been arrested in an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, related to an extremist right-wing suspected threat targeting an Islamic event at Shrubland Hall, Suffolk, over the weekend of 9th to 12th July.
Due to concerns over a potential threat, Suffolk Police advised the organisers of the UK Ijtima event to close earlier than planned on Sunday, 12th July for precautionary measures.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, remarked on the prompt actions taken:
“After becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event in Suffolk, we have moved extremely quickly to make a number of arrests in various locations across the country."
Despite the early closure, the event proceeded safely, and no broader threat to public safety is presently believed to be related.
This stark reminder of the UK's 'severe' threat level demands continued public vigilance.
Concerns can be reported via www.gov.uk/ACT or through police contact at 0800 789 321, with emergencies signaled by dialing 999.
Of those arrested, eight men A-H are detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act, 2000.
Three men J-L face charges of conspiracy to murder, and one woman I is suspected of assisting an offender.
J has been released on bail, while I, K, and L continue in police custody.
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott from Suffolk Constabulary noted:
“We understand that the arrests and the context behind them may well cause some concern amongst our local communities."
“To provide some level of reassurance we will have a visible police presence in the area of Shrubland Hall over the coming days."
The investigation is jointly conducted by CTP London, with support from Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU) and other regional CTP teams, continuing cooperation with Suffolk Police.
The situation was declared a major incident, prompting a multi-agency response that ensured the safe departure of 15,000 event attendees, with the status withdrawn the following day.
The Suffolk Resilience Forum extended gratitude to the organisers and attendees for their composure during challenging circumstances.