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Arrests After Threat
Twelve people were arrested after UK police said they had identified a potential serious threat towards the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk, which was ended early on Sunday as a precaution.
“Twelve people were arrested in the United Kingdom as part of a nationwide anti-terror investigation linked to a far-right threat targeting a major Islamic gathering held from July 9 to 12 at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk”
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said police had moved “extremely quickly” to make arrests in various locations across the country after becoming aware of the threat.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said police were investigating a “credible threat” against the event, which took place from July 9 to 12 and was attended by about 15,000 people.
The Metropolitan Police said the investigation was extreme right-wing terrorism-related and that advice was provided via Suffolk Police to close the event slightly earlier than planned on Sunday, 12 July.
Who Was Held
Police said eight men were arrested and detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, while three other men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and a woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The BBC listed arrests in Surrey for five men aged 27, 29, 55, 60 and 82, and said a 35-year-old man was arrested in Greater Manchester, while two men were arrested in Essex and a man was arrested in southeast London.
The Metropolitan Police said the situation was declared a major incident early on Sunday morning with a multi-agency response convened to ensure a safe and properly co-ordinated departure from the event of the 15,000 attendees.
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott said the force would have a visible police presence in the area of Shrubland Hall over the coming days and welcomed local people to speak to police if they wished.
Threat Level and Next Steps
CTP London said there was not believed to be any wider threat to the public connected to the matter, while the investigation remained ongoing and officers conducted searches at addresses linked to those arrested.
“Twelve people have been arrested after an Islamic event had to close early due to an alleged threat from extreme right-wing terrorists”
Commander Helen Flanagan said “we will not hesitate to act” if there was any potential threat, and she described the early closure as the event having “passed off safely.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said “We must stand against hatred and we must unite around our shared belief” in a country open, generous and tolerant to all communities.
The Metropolitan Police said the major incident status was withdrawn earlier today (Mon), and it directed people with concerns to report via www.gov.uk/ACTor or call police in confidence on 0800 789 321, with emergencies on 999.
