A UK Ijtima event in Barham was ended early after a “potential serious threat”, with Counter Terrorism Police confirming a “right-wing terrorism related” investigation and multiple arrests.
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall in Barham was brought to an early conclusion on Sunday as a precautionary measure following a potential threat.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the police response in addressing a “credible threat” to the festival had “undoubtedly saved lives”.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, said officers acted swiftly to carry out arrests at multiple locations across the country.
CTP confirmed that the investigation was “right-wing terrorism related”, with officers conducting searches at various addresses linked to those arrested.
Eight men were arrested and detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in custody.
Three additional men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while a woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Of those arrested, one person has since been released on bail, while the remaining three remain in custody.
Police confirmed that, after being alerted to a “potential serious threat” against the event, a major incident was declared. However, this status has since been stood down.
The following arrests were made across the country:
- Five men, aged 27, 29, 55, 60 and 82, were arrested in Surrey.
- A 35-year-old man was arrested in Greater Manchester.
- Two men, both aged 42, were arrested in Essex.
- A 33-year-old man was arrested in southeast London.
- A 48-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were arrested in east London.
- A 27-year-old man was arrested in Ipswich.
Flanagan added that police would “not hesitate to act” in response to any potential threat.
“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.”
Mahmood added:
“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.”
CTP said there was not believed to be any wider threat to the public connected to the matter.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X:
“Shocking news that Counter Terrorism Police are investigating a credible, serious threat targeted at an Islamic event in Suffolk.
“Thanks to the quick action taken by police and the organisers, nobody was hurt.
“My message is clear: I will not tolerate any attacks on our Muslim communities, or any form of anti-Muslim hatred.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott from Suffolk Police said the force would maintain a visible presence in the Shrubland Hall area in the coming days.
She said that 15,000 attendees had “safely departed” from the event.
Ruman Muhith, a Labour member of Ipswich Borough Council, attended on Friday and Saturday and said attendees had “conducted themselves with dignity and respect”.
I’ve kept the meaning, details and quotes intact, while making the wording more polished, reducing repetition and improving flow without lengthening the sentences.
