Twelve people arrested after ‘extreme right-wing terror threat’ against Islamic event in UK

Twelve people have been arrested after an alleged plot targeting an Islamic gathering in Suffolk prompted organisers to end the event earlier than planned as a precaution.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the UK Ijtima event, held at Shrubland Hall in Coddenham, was identified as the intended target of an alleged threat linked to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism. Three men, aged 55, 60 and 82, were arrested in Surrey on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. A 48-year-old woman was also arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A further eight men were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act. They include two men aged 27 and 29 arrested in Surrey, two 42-year-old men arrested in Essex, a 27-year-old man detained in Ipswich, a 35-year-old man arrested in Greater Manchester, and two men aged 31 and 33 arrested in London on Monday, July 13.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said officers acted swiftly after becoming aware of what they described as a potentially serious threat. “After becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event in Suffolk, we have moved extremely quickly to make several arrests in various locations across the country,” she said.

Flanagan acknowledged that the incident could be particularly concerning for members of the Muslim community, adding that police would act decisively against any credible threat regardless of the intended target. The UK’s national terrorism threat level remains at “severe”, meaning an attack is considered highly likely, and authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant.

Thousands of people attended the religious gathering over the weekend before organisers decided to conclude the event early as a precautionary measure. In a statement, organisers described the UK Ijtima as a peaceful event focused on prayer, spiritual reflection, education and community engagement.

They added that attendees also joined millions of people across the country in celebrating England’s World Cup victory over Norway, describing it as a moment that reflected the shared values and unity of communities across Britain. Police investigations remain ongoing. No charges have been announced.