Police arrest 12 over suspected far-right threat against Islamic event in Suffolk

Three of those arrested were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, say counter-terrorism police Twelve people have been arrested, including three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, over a suspected far-right threat against an Islamic event held over the weekend, police have said. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, which they said was related to “extreme rightwing terrorism” targeting an event held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk. Police said there was a “potential serious threat” to the event, which an estimated 15,000 people attended over four days. Three of those arrested were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and eight others under terrorism laws. One man arrested is 82. A woman aged 48 was arrested in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender. The event – UK Ijtima, which means “gathering” – brought Muslims together for worship, study and reflection. The Guardian understands the intelligence that led to the arrests emerged over the weekend. Arrests were made with the event already under way, which sources suggested indicated how late the intervention came. The event closed earlier than planned as a precaution and a major incide