United Kingdom: 12 arrested on suspicion of threatening Islamic event in Suffolk

Image caption, Thousands are believed to have attended the UK Ijtema in Suffolk over the weekend.

Article Information

Author, Alice Cunningham

Published 1 hour ago

Reading time: 3 minutes

Police have announced the arrest of 12 people in connection with a far-right terrorist threat to an Islamic event at a rural estate in Suffolk.

London's Counter Terrorism Unit said the UK Ijtema event, which was being held at Shrubland Hall in Barham, was cancelled at dawn on Sunday as a precautionary measure following a potential threat.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the rapid police response to a 'credible threat' to the festival 'undoubtedly saved lives'.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of the London Counter Terrorism Unit, said officers moved quickly to make arrests at various locations across the country.

The Counter Terrorism Unit confirmed the investigation is 'linked to far-right terrorism' and that officers are conducting searches at various addresses across the country linked to those arrested.

It clarified that eight men have been arrested and detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, and remain in custody.

Three other men have also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and a woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

One person has been released on bail, while the other three remain in custody.

Skip most read and continue reading

Trump: We will control the Strait of Hormuz 'for a price', Iran warns region leaders 'fire will consume everyone'

Houthis announce Sanaa airport hit by 'Saudi airstrike', Yemeni government claims targeting runway to prevent Iranian plane landing

Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others?

Sam Neill passes away... star of 'Jurassic Park' who chose a life away from Hollywood

Police confirmed they declared a major incident upon learning of a 'potentially serious threat' at the site, but later lifted that declaration.

The arrests across various parts of the country included five men, aged between 27 and 82, arrested in Surrey; a 35-year-old man arrested in Greater Manchester; two 42-year-old men arrested in Essex; a 33-year-old man arrested in southeast London; a 48-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man arrested in east London; and a 27-year-old man arrested in Ipswich.

San Diego Muslims after mosque attack: 'This ordeal will make us stronger'

Flanagan added that police 'will not hesitate to act' in the event of any potential threat.

She continued: 'Unfortunately, this activity is a stark reminder that the threat level in the UK is 'substantial', so we urge the public to be vigilant and report anything that seems abnormal or makes them feel uneasy.'

Mahmood added: 'I know this is extremely worrying news for British Muslims.'

'We must stand up to hatred, and unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous, and tolerant of all our communities.'

Transport Police confirmed that no wider threat to the public is believed to be linked to this case.

Image caption, Roman Mohith said thousands of people attended the event

Assistant Chief Constable of Suffolk Police, Alice Scott, stated that police will have a visible presence in the Shrubland Hall area in the coming days.

She added that 15,000 attendees left the event safely.

Roman Mohith, Labour councillor for Ipswich Borough Council, attended the event on Friday and Saturday and praised the conduct of attendees, describing it as 'dignified and respectful'.

Skip short clips and continue reading

Short clips

End of short clips

Two men arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to carry out attack on Manchester mosque, UK, 26 February 2026

Quebec mosque attack accused faces 11 charges, 31 January 2017

Does Britain need to redefine 'Islamophobia' to protect Muslims from hatred? Telegraph article, 24 December 2025