British police arrest 12 people on suspicion of far-right terror plot targeting Islamic event involving 15,000 people

Britain’s counter-terrorism police have arrested 12 people over a suspected threat aimed at a major Islamic event in eastern England, calling the investigation linked to “extreme right-wing terrorism”.

Police said the arrests were made at locations across England on Sunday and Monday after officers were alerted to what they described as a “potential serious threat” directed at a religious gathering.

15,000 people attended the event

The event, attended by around 15,000 people, was held at a country estate in Suffolk from 9 July to 12 July.

Authorities said the rally went largely as planned, although it ended earlier than planned on Sunday due to security concerns.

Police have not released specific details about the alleged plot, citing the ongoing investigation.

Eight were held under the Terrorism Act

Police say eight men remain in custody after being arrested under the UK’s Terrorism Act.

Three other men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, while one woman was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The suspects are between the ages of 27 and 60.

The search is continuing at several addresses in London, surrounding areas, the east of England and near Manchester, police said.

Investigation into “extreme right-wing terrorism”.

Counter-terrorism officers said the case was being investigated as “extreme right-wing terrorism”.

The arrests follow Britain’s decision in April to raise its national terror threat level to “severe”, indicating that a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.

Helen Flanagan, Britain’s head of counter-terrorism, said the arrests served as a reminder of the country’s current threat environment.

“This is a stark reminder” of the serious threat level of terrorism, Flanagan said.

British minister calls for unity

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she understood the incident would be deeply disturbing for Britain’s Muslim community.

In a post on X, Mahmood called on people to reject hate and stand together.

“We must stand up to hate and unite around our shared faith in a country that is open, generous and tolerant of all our communities,” she said.

The investigation is still ongoing and police said more inquiries are ongoing as officers examine evidence and search various properties across the country.

Read also | UK Unveils Plan to Ban Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards