Searches are continuing at six addresses after 12 people were arrested in an extreme right-wing terrorism-related investigation linked to a suspected threat towards an Islamic event at shrubland hall, Suffolk. The case remains active, with eight men still in custody and police keeping close contact with Suffolk Police.
Helen Flanagan on Shrubland Hall
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the police activity would be concerning to the public, particularly the Muslim community, given the potential target of the threat. She said the response was meant to reassure the public while investigators continued their work.
Flanagan said: "We are very aware the police activity will be concerning to the public – particularly the Muslim community given the potential target of this threat. 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."
She added: "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."
12 arrests across six places
Police arrested 12 people on 12 and 13 July at addresses in Suffolk, Stoke, Surrey, Ipswich, Essex and London. One of those arrests was a 27-year-old man detained in Surrey on 12 July. Eight of the 12 were detained under section 41 of the Terrorist Act, and warrants of further detention have been obtained for them.
The investigation team is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London and is working closely with Suffolk Police. The wider response also involves Eastern Region Special Operational Unit, CTP North West, CTP South East and Suffolk Police.
UK Ijtima and the bail split
The event at Shrubland Hall ran from 9 to 12 July, and police advised the organisers of the UK Ijtima event to close slightly earlier than planned on 12 July because of concerns over a possible threat. Searches have since been carried out at 10 residential properties, with four completed, and a number of vehicles have been searched. Police have also seized 35 digital devices.
That leaves a split in the custody picture: three men arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and a woman arrested on suspicion of assisting offender have been released on bail with strict conditions, while eight men remain in custody. ACC Alice Scott of Suffolk Police said: "We remain in close dialogue, working with our local partners in Suffolk, prioritising community reassurance activity."
She added: "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." She also urged anyone with concerns to speak to local officers.
With searches continuing and further detention decisions now governing the next phase, the main unresolved issue is what specific threat investigators say was directed at the Islamic event at Shrubland Hall.
