Counter terrorism police arrested 12 people across England in connection with alleged serious threats made against an Islamic event in Suffolk. The UK Ijtima, a large religious gathering with at least 15,000 attendees, was forced to close early on Sunday following a warning from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing Unit.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, and eight others were detained under the Terrorism Act 2000. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. The arrests, involving individuals aged between 27 and 82, occurred in locations including Surrey, east London, Suffolk, and Greater Manchester.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that officers acted quickly after becoming aware of a potential serious threat. "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," Flanagan said. "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."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that police are investigating a credible threat against the event. "I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims," she said. "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."
The UK Ijtima was held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk, a Grade II listed building near Ipswich. The religious gathering is organized by Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926. The event, described as a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, typically involves daily prayers.
Organizers stated that the decision to close the event early was made solely in the interest of public safety after police shared intelligence indicating a credible risk of disorder. "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 attendees," the organizers said in a statement. "The welfare of our guests, neighbouring residents and the wider community has always been our highest priority."
Suffolk Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott noted that the situation was declared a major incident early Sunday morning, with a multi-agency response ensuring the safe departure of attendees. A visible police presence will remain in the area of Shrubland Hall. The major incident status was withdrawn earlier on Monday. All but one of the arrested individuals remain in custody; the remaining individual was bailed. Searches are ongoing at various addresses across the country.