UK police arrest 12 over far-right terror plot targeting major Muslim gathering

Britain’s Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said it had arrested 12 people in connection with an alleged right-wing terror plot targeting an Islamic event attended by around 15,000 people.

Police said the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall was forced to end early after officers identified what they described as a "potential serious threat" to the gathering.

The UK Ijtima is organised by the Tablighi Jamaat movement and is considered one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslims in the UK, drawing worshippers from across Britain and abroad.

Organisers of the event, which ran from 9 to 13 July, were told to close it early as a precaution to allow the 15,000 people in attendance to leave safely.

CTP did not give further details on the nature of the alleged plot but described it as a "serious" threat.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of CTP London, confirmed they had arrested 11 men and one woman from across England, including the South East, the East of England and Greater Manchester.

Flanagan also confirmed that the investigation was "right-wing terrorism related" and that it was conducting searches at various address across the country. 

Eight of the men were arrested and detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in police custody.

Those arrested include an 81-year-old man, a 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the police's actions had "undoubtedly" saved the lives of those attending the event.

"I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims," Mahmood said.

"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."