Twelve people have been arrested across the UK in connection with an alleged right-wing terror threat targeting an Islamic event in Suffolk. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) stated that the UK Ijtima event, held at Shrubland Hall in Barham, was concluded early on Sunday as a precautionary measure following the discovery of the potential threat.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented that the police's swift action against a credible threat to the festival likely saved lives. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, confirmed that officers acted rapidly to apprehend suspects at various locations nationwide. The investigation is officially categorized as right-wing terrorism-related, with searches ongoing at addresses linked to those arrested.

Of the twelve individuals detained, eight men were arrested and held under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Three other men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and one woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. One person has since been released on bail, while the remaining three are still in custody. Suffolk Police declared a major incident upon being alerted to the potential threat but have since stood down that status.

The arrests were made across several regions: five men in Surrey, a 35-year-old man in Greater Manchester, two 42-year-old men in Essex, a 33-year-old man in southeast London, a 48-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man in east London, and a 27-year-old man in Ipswich.

Commander Flanagan emphasized the police's commitment to acting on any potential threat and noted that the current national threat level in the UK is 'severe.' She urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. The Home Secretary acknowledged the distress such news might cause British Muslims, reiterating a commitment to opposing hatred and fostering a tolerant society.

CTP has indicated that there is not believed to be any wider public threat connected to this specific incident. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the alleged threat, thanking the police and event organizers for ensuring no one was harmed. He stated unequivocally his intolerance for attacks on Muslim communities or any form of anti-Muslim hatred.

Thousands of people are understood to have attended the UK Ijtima event over the weekend. Shrubland Hall, the venue, is an historic country estate. Police presence is expected to continue in the vicinity of Shrubland Hall in the coming days as investigations progress.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extremist ideologies and the critical role of counter-terrorism units in maintaining national security. The focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation and the legal proceedings that may follow.