Counter Terrorism Police have arrested 12 people in connection with an alleged far-right terror plot targeting UK Ijtima, an Islamic gathering organised by Tablighi Jamaat.
Police said the investigation is “extreme right-wing terrorism-related” and centres on an alleged plot targeting the event at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk over the weekend.
The UK Ijtima, one of the largest annual Muslim gatherings in Britain, had been due to run until 13 July but ended early due to concerns over the possible threat.
Eight men were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in police custody.
Three other men, including an 82-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while a woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
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 a number of 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.”
She added: “Sadly, this activity is a stark reminder that the threat level in the UK is at ‘severe’, so we urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything if it doesn’t look or feel right.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Counter Terrorism Policing was leading the investigation into what she described as a “credible threat”, adding that officers’ actions had “undoubtedly” saved the lives of people attending the event.
“I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims,” said Mahmoud on X.
“We must stand against hatred and we must unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous and tolerant to all our communities,” she added.
Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham praised the police and organisers of the event for keeping everyone safe.
“This is appalling,” said Burnham. “Hatred against Muslims has no place in our country and I am determined to stamp it out.”
