Police move swiftly after suspected threat to Suffolk religious event
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London has arrested twelve people in connection with what officers describe as an extreme right‑wing terrorism‑related investigation into a suspected threat against an Islamic event held at Shrubland Hall, Suffolk, over the long weekend of 9–12 July. Following security advice provided via Suffolk Police, organisers of the UK Ijtima brought proceedings to a close slightly earlier than planned on Sunday 12 July. Officers have stressed there is no belief of any wider risk to the public arising from this incident.
CTP London said its officers acted at pace once intelligence indicated a potential serious threat aimed at the gathering. A number of arrests were made in different parts of the country, and a major incident was declared locally on Sunday to support the multi‑agency response. The event concluded safely.
National counter-terrorism response and reassurance
Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the coordinated action was taken without delay once the risk became known.
“After becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event in Suffolk, we have moved extremely quickly to make a number of arrests in various locations across the country… I know this news may be concerning to the public and particularly those in the Muslim community… But as we have shown, we will not hesitate to act if there is any potential threat… I’m also pleased to say that although the event ended slightly earlier than planned, it nevertheless passed off safely.”
Commander Flanagan also reminded the public that the UK terrorism threat level remains at severe, urging continued vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activity.
Arrests made across several regions
CTP London confirmed a total of 12 arrests. Among those detained were individuals apprehended in Surrey, the Greater Manchester area, east London and Essex over 12–13 July. Further details about the remaining arrests were not made public at the time of writing.
| Age | Location of arrest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | Surrey | 12 July |
| 35 | Greater Manchester area | 12 July |
| 31 | East London | 13 July |
| 42 | Essex | 12 July |
Detectives have not indicated any continuing danger linked to the Suffolk event. Police thanked the organisers and attendees for their cooperation during the precautionary early closure.
Local impact and community reassurance
The UK Ijtima is a significant religious gathering, and the decision to finish earlier on Sunday was taken, police said, out of caution. While the interruption caused understandable disruption for worshippers and volunteers, authorities emphasised that the event concluded safely. Suffolk Police supported the counter‑terrorism operation and maintained liaison with organisers to manage crowd safety, traffic and onward travel from the site.
Community representatives across Suffolk are expected to seek continued reassurance in the coming days. Officers state there is no evidence of a broader risk to people in the county and that work to establish the full circumstances remains ongoing at a national level.
Public advice: how to report concerns
Members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and report anything that does not seem right. Information can be shared confidentially through the Action Counters Terrorism portal at www.gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.
- Remain vigilant in crowded places and during large gatherings.
- Report suspicious behaviour, online activity, or unattended items promptly.
- Follow any safety instructions from event organisers and police.
Further updates will be provided by Counter Terrorism Policing and Suffolk Police as enquiries progress.
