Searches continue after 12 arrests in Counter Terrorism Policing London investigation

Search activity is continuing at six addresses, and eight men remain in custody, as part of an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London.

The investigation, which is extreme right-wing terrorism-related, is connected to a suspected threat directed towards an Islamic event held at Shrubland Hall, Suffolk over the weekend (9-12 July).

The organisers of the UK Ijtima event were advised by police to close the event slightly earlier than planned on 12 July due to concerns over a possible threat.

A total of 12 people were arrested on 12 and 13 July at addresses in Suffolk, Stoke, Surrey, Ipswich, Essex and London.

Eight of those 12 [A to H] were detained under section 41 of the Terrorist Act. Warrants of further detention have now been obtained, which means they can be held in custody for up to seven days from the point of their arrest.

Three other men, [J to L] who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, have all been released on bail, with strict conditions. [I} A woman, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting offender, has also been released on bail.

A total of 10 searches at residential properties have been carried out, four have now been completed. A number of vehicles have also been searched, and 35 digital devices have been seized.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “We are very aware the police activity will be concerning to the public – particularly the Muslim community given the potential target of this threat. I would like to praise the support of the event organisers, those attending the event and the local community in the area for their support and understanding while this investigation has been ongoing.

“I also hope that our response reassures the public that policing stands ready to respond and take action to keep all of our communities and the public safe.”

Anyone with concerns can report it via www.gov.uk/ACTor call police in confidence on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always dial 999.

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.

ACC Alice Scott, of Suffolk Police, said: “We remain in close dialogue, working with our local partners in Suffolk, prioritising community reassurance activity.

“Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to protecting our communities from harm, tackling extremism in all its forms, and working collaboratively to ensure people can gather, worship and celebrate safely.

“I repeat my call from earlier this week and urge people to speak to our local officers if they have any concerns or issues they wish to raise with us on the matter and we remain grateful for the support of everyone concerned.”

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Full details of the 12 people arrested as part of the investigation are as follows:

[A] a 27-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July

[B] a 35-year-old man arrested in Stoke on 12 July*

[C] a 31-year-old man arrested in east London on 13 July

[D] a 42-year-old man arrested in Essex on 12 July

[E] a 42-year-old man arrested in Essex on 12 July

[F] a 33-year-old man arrested in southeast London on 13 July

[G] a 29-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July

[H] a 27-year-old man arrested in Ipswich on 12 July

[I] a 48-year-old woman arrested in east London on 13 July

[J] a 82-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July

[K] a 55-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July

[L] a 60-year-old man arrested in Surrey on 12 July

*This arrest was previously listed as the Greater Manchester area