UK police arrest 12 over extreme right-wing terror threat to Muslim event

British police have arrested 12 people in connection with an "extreme right-wing" terrorism threat aimed at an Islamic gathering in eastern England. The arrests, made across the country on Sunday and Monday, involved individuals aged between 27 and 82. Eight men were detained on suspicion of terrorism, three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and one woman on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Counter Terrorism Policing London stated they acted "extremely quickly" after becoming aware of a "potential serious threat" to the Ijtima festival, which had gathered around 15,000 attendees. The festival concluded earlier than planned on police advice. Authorities confirmed that several addresses across the UK were being searched as part of the ongoing investigation, but there was no evidence of a wider public threat.

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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.

The arrests highlight a backdrop of increasing racial tension and hate crimes in the UK, with marginalized communities frequently targeted. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented that police had "undoubtedly saved lives" and urged unity against hatred, emphasizing a commitment to a tolerant society. The Crown Prosecution Service recently reported handling the highest number of hate crime cases in its history.

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Twelve individuals have now been arrested. 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.