Terror police arrest 12 over 'serious threats' to Islamic event at Suffolk country mansion

Terror police arrest 12 over 'serious threats' to Islamic event at Suffolk country mansion - See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Twelve people have been arrested by counter terrorism police following an alleged threat to an Islamic event held at a country mansion from extreme Right-wing terrorists. The UK Ijtima – which took place at Grade II listed Shrubland Hall in Barham, near Ipswich in Suffolk, and had at least 15,000 people attending over the weekend – had to close early after a warning from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing Unit. Three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, while another eight were detained under the Terrorism Act 2000. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. A major incident was declared as the arrests – which involved people aged between 27 and 82 – took place in locations around England, including Surrey, east London, Suffolk and Greater Manchester. Ruman Muhith, a local councillor who helped guide the organisers through the administrative steps needed to set up the event, said they had accepted police advice to end the event early 'without hesitation'. He said police had told the organisers 'to wrap up because there’s a credible threat'. Mr Muhith, a Labour councillor on Ipswich Borough Council, said: 'There was no panic on site because attendees weren’t made aware of it (the threat), they were just told it was finishing early after the morning prayer.' The UK Ijtima, which was held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk, had to close early after a warning from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing Unit People of all ages and nationalities were at the event, which ran from Friday until yesterday Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: ‘After becoming aware of a potential serious threat towards the Islamic event in Suffolk, we have moved extremely quickly to make a number of arrests in various locations across the country. ‘I would like to thank colleagues in Suffolk Police for their ongoing support, which led to the declaration of a major incident on Sunday in response to this. ‘I’d also like to thank the event organisers and the public who have been impacted by this. ‘I know this news may be concerning to the public and particularly those in the Muslim community, given that we believe the intended target was an Islamic event. ‘But, as we have shown, we will not hesitate to act if there is any potential threat, no matter who or what the potential target may be. ‘I’m also pleased to say that although the event ended slightly earlier than planned, it nevertheless passed off safely. ‘Sadly, this activity is a stark reminder that the threat level in the UK is at "severe", so we urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything if it doesn’t look or feel right.’ Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said police are investigating a credible threat against the event. She said: ‘I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims. ‘We must stand against hatred and we must unite around our shared belief in a country that is open, generous and tolerant to all our communities.’ The religious gathering was being held by the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926 and now one of the largest religious movements in the world. The Bishwa Ijtima in Bangladesh draws millions and the Raiwind Ijtima in Pakistan hosts hundreds of thousands. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said officers had moved 'extremely quickly' to make arrests 'after becoming aware of a potential serious threat' Around 15,000 people are understood to have been at the event, which was billed as a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, over the weekend The event, which ran from Friday until yesterday, is billed as a time for reflection and spiritual renewal and typically involves prayers five time daily. The Hall, which was built in the 1770s and was sold in 2006 by Baron de Saumarez to cover an inheritance bill, was purchased for £6 million in 2009 by Dr Muhammed Farmer, a London-based businessman and founder of the British Institute of Technology. It was chosen ahead of ExCel London and the NEC in Birmingham and promotional material online before the event described it as ‘perfectly suited for the gathering, offering vast space for 100k+ attendees and unlimited parking’. The same material said the ‘Hazratji will be present’ – the title given to the movement’s senior leader. Local media reported in April that Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, which are responsible for planning and licensing in the area, had complained no one had contacted the Safety Advisory Group, which is normally expected for public events. The body brings together Suffolk Police, highways and district council teams, as well as fire and ambulance services. Addressing the early closure of the events, the organisers said: ‘This decision was taken solely in the interests of public safety after police shared intelligence indicating a credible risk of disorder from individuals intending to travel to the area. ‘As responsible organisers, we immediately accepted the advice of Suffolk Police and worked closely with officers to facilitate the safe and orderly departure of all attendees. ‘The welfare of our guests, neighbouring residents and the wider community has always been our highest priority.’ Cllr Muhith, who was at the event on the first two days, said it had benefited local businesses, such as taxi firms and shops, while local residents in Barham, Claydon and elsewhere had shown ‘patience and understanding’. He added: ‘The thousands of people who attended conducted themselves with dignity and respect and it was encouraging to see such a positive environment throughout the weekend.’ All of the alleged offenders remain in custody except one, who was bailed. The religious gathering was being held at a Grade II listed building by the Tablighi Jamaat, a Sunni Islamic missionary movement founded in India in 1926 Ruman Muhith, a Labour member of Ipswich Borough Council, was at the event on the first two days, said attendees 'conducted themselves with dignity and respect' The arrests took place yesterday and today, with searches ongoing at ‘various addresses across the country’. The investigation is being led by officers from CTP London, with support from colleagues in the Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU), CTP North West and CTP South East. The investigation team also remains in close contact with colleagues in Suffolk Police. Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott, from Suffolk Constabulary, said: 'We understand that the arrests and the context behind them may well cause some concern amongst our local communities. 'To provide some level of reassurance we will have a visible police presence in the area of Shrubland Hall over the coming days and we welcome local people to speak to us on the matter if they wish to. ‘The situation was declared a major incident early on Sunday morning with a multi-agency response convened to ensure a safe and properly co-ordinated departure from the event of the 15,000 attendees. The major incident status was withdrawn earlier today. ‘This was a complex and fast-moving scenario with the priority of all the agencies working together to ensure the safety of all the attendees. ‘We can reassure the public that everyone left the location safely.’