Three held on conspiracy to murder as 12 arrested over far-right plot targeting Suffolk Islamic event

Police arrested 12 people after a suspected extreme right-wing terrorist plot forced an Islamic event in Suffolk to close early. The UK Ijtima at Shrubland Hall was advised by police on Sunday to end the gathering ahead of schedule due to what organisers were told was a credible threat, according to multiple outlets. The event was attended by nearly 15,000 people, news9live reported.

Counter-terrorism police confirmed the arrests, with three of the suspects detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, The Guardian reported. The force said the investigation relates to “extreme rightwing terrorism,” Sky News noted. The arrests were made on Sunday and Monday across England after authorities identified a “potential serious threat,” according to news9live.

2 sources

Sky NewsDozen arrested by counter terror police over 'threat to Islamic event'The GuardianPolice arrest 12 over suspected far-right threat against Islamic event in Suffolk

"The police's response undoubtedly saved lives."

BBC NewsTwelve arrested over alleged right-wing terror threat to UK Islamic event, police say

The Home Secretary’s statement highlighted the seriousness of the operation, with BBC News quoting Shabana Mahmood directly. The scale of the targeted gathering, with thousands attending, underscored the potential danger that authorities moved to preempt.

Twelve individuals were taken into custody in total. Three of those arrested were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, The Guardian reported, adding that the investigation is being led by counter-terrorism police. The coordinated actions across England over the weekend and Monday suggest a broader investigation into far-right activity remains active.