Counter terror officers are continuing searches at six addresses after 12 people were arrested in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terror plot targeting one of the UK’s largest Muslim gatherings.
The investigation centres on the UK Ijtima, a major Islamic event held at Shrubland Hall, near Ipswich, which brought together around 15,000 Muslims from more than 50 countries for a weekend of prayer, reflection and community.
The gathering, which ran from Friday to Sunday, was brought to an abrupt end on Sunday morning after organisers were warned by police of what has been described as a credible threat against the event.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London has now confirmed that searches remain ongoing at six properties while eight men continue to be questioned under the Terrorism Act, after officers obtained warrants allowing them to remain in custody for up to seven days from the time of their arrest.
The investigation is being treated as extreme right-wing terrorism-related and is focused on a suspected threat directed at the Islamic gathering.
Three other men, aged 55, 60 and 82, who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, have been released on bail with strict conditions. A 48-year-old woman, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has also been released on bail.
Those still being questioned include:
- A 27-year-old man arrested in Surrey
- A 35-year-old man arrested in Stoke
- A 31-year-old man arrested in east London
- Two 42-year-old men arrested in Essex
- A 33-year-old man arrested in south-east London
- A 29-year-old man arrested in Surrey
- A 27-year-old man arrested in Ipswich
Police have carried out searches at 10 residential properties, with four now complete, while a number of vehicles have also been examined. Investigators have seized 35 digital devices as part of the inquiry.
The operation follows dramatic scenes in the early hours of Sunday morning when armed officers attended the site after intelligence suggested a potential attack.
Although the event had been due to finish at 2pm on Sunday, organisers agreed to end proceedings shortly after morning prayers following advice from Suffolk Police.
The UK Ijtima had been promoted as a rare opportunity for Muslims to come together for “reflection and spiritual renewal”. Organisers described it as the first gathering of its scale in Britain since 1985, with many attendees travelling from across the UK and overseas.
Hosted at the historic Shrubland Hall estate near Ipswich, the event was expected to provide a peaceful weekend of worship, religious talks and community engagement, while also bringing economic benefits to nearby businesses through increased visitor numbers.
Instead, the gathering was cut short after Counter Terrorism Policing declared a major incident when officers became aware of what they described as a potential serious threat against the event.
That major incident status was later stood down following the arrests.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, acknowledged the concern the investigation would cause within Muslim communities.
“We are very aware the police activity will be concerning to the public – particularly the Muslim community given the potential target of this threat,” she said.
“I would like to praise the support of the event organisers, those attending the event and the local community in the area for their support and understanding while this investigation has been ongoing.
“I also hope that our response reassures the public that policing stands ready to respond and take action to keep all of our communities and the public safe.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott, of Suffolk Police, said officers remained focused on reassuring local communities.
“We remain in close dialogue, working with our local partners in Suffolk, prioritising community reassurance activity,” she said.
“Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to protecting our communities from harm, tackling extremism in all its forms, and working collaboratively to ensure people can gather, worship and celebrate safely.”
Following the evacuation, organisers of the UK Ijtima said they had acted immediately on police advice.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
“The welfare of our guests, neighbouring residents and the wider community has always been our highest priority.”
The alleged plot has prompted condemnation from senior politicians.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as “shocking” and said: “My message is clear: I will not tolerate any attacks on our Muslim communities, or any form of anti-Muslim hatred.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also praised the swift response by police, saying their actions in responding to a credible threat had helped keep those attending the event safe.
Counter Terrorism Policing has stressed that enquiries remain ongoing and has urged anyone with information or concerns to contact police.
