Counter-terrorism officers have arrested 12 people after an alleged threat by far-right extremists against an Islamic gathering.
The UK Ijtima, which drew at least 15,000 attendees over the weekend, was brought to an early close following an alert from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing Unit.
Three men were held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while eight other people were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000.
A woman was also detained on suspicion of helping an offender.
Police declared a major incident as the arrests, involving suspects aged from 27 to 82, were carried out at sites across England, including Surrey, east London, Suffolk and Greater Manchester.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing London, said officers acted rapidly after learning of a possible serious threat aimed at the Islamic event in Suffolk, making a series of arrests at multiple locations nationwide.
She thanked Suffolk Police for their continued assistance, saying their support contributed to the decision to declare a major incident on Sunday.
Commander Flanagan also expressed thanks to the event organisers and members of the public affected by the disruption.
The UK Ijtima, which was held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk and had at least 15,000 people attending over the weekend, had to close early after a warning from the Metropolitan Police ’s Counter Terrorism Policing Unit
‘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.
‘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.
‘I’m also pleased to say that although the event ended slightly earlier than planned, it nevertheless passed off safely.
‘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 police are investigating a credible threat against the event.
She said: ‘I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims.
‘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 religious gathering was being held by the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926 and now one of the largest religious movements in the world.
The religious gathering was being held by the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926 and now one of the largest religious movements in the world
Commander Helen Flanagan , head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said officers had moved ‘extremely quickly’ to make arrests ‘ after becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event’
The Bishwa Ijtima in Bangladesh draws millions and the Raiwind Ijtima in Pakistan hosts hundreds of thousands.
The event, at Grade II listed Shrubland Hall in Barham, near Ipswich in Suffolk, between Friday and yesterday, is billed as a time for reflection and spiritual renewal and typically involves prayers five time daily.
The Hall, which was built in the 1770s and was sold in 2006 by Baron de Saumarez to cover an inheritance bill, was purchased for £6 million in 2009 by Dr Muhammed Farmer, a London-based businessman and founder of the British Institute of Technology.
It was chosen ahead of ExCel London and the NEC in Birmingham and promotional material online before the event described it as ‘perfectly suited for the gathering, offering vast space for 100k+ attendees and unlimited parking’.
The same material said the ‘Hazratji will be present’ – the title given to the movement’s senior leader.
Local media reported in April that Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, which are responsible for planning and licensing in the area, had complained no one had contacted the Safety Advisory Group, which is normally expected for public events.
The body brings together Suffolk Police, highways and district council teams, as well as fire and ambulance services.
Addressing the early closure of the events, the organisers said in a statement: ‘This decision was taken solely in the interests of public safety after police shared intelligence indicating a credible risk of disorder from individuals intending to travel to the area…
The venue was chosen ahead of ExCel London and the NEC in Birmingham
‘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 welfare of our guests, neighbouring residents and the wider community has always been our highest priority.’
Ruman Muhith, a Labour member of Ipswich Borough Council, was at the event on the first two days.
He said it had benefited local businesses, such as taxi firms and shops, while local residents in Barham, Claydon and elsewhere had shown ‘patience and understanding’.
He added: ‘The thousands of people who attended conducted themselves with dignity and respect and it was encouraging to see such a positive environment throughout the weekend.’
All of the alleged offenders remain in custody except one, who was bailed.
The arrests took place yesterday and today, with searches ongoing at ‘various addresses across the country’.
The investigation is being led by officers from CTP London, with support from colleagues in the Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU), CTP North West and CTP South East. The investigation team also remains in close contact with colleagues in Suffolk Police.
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott, from Suffolk Constabulary, said: ‘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 and we welcome local people to speak to us on the matter if they wish to.
‘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. The major incident status was withdrawn earlier today.
‘This was a complex and fast-moving scenario with the priority of all the agencies working together to ensure the safety of all the attendees…
‘We can reassure the public that everyone left the location safely.’
