Elham Asaad Buaras
A 42-year-old man arrested during a counter-terrorism investigation into a suspected far-right threat against one of Britain’s largest Muslim gatherings has been charged with weapons offences, although police say no one has been charged in connection with the alleged threat itself.
The man, who has not been publicly identified, was charged with two counts of possessing offensive weapons—extendable batons—and one count of possessing a stun gun following searches carried out as part of the investigation.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the offences are not believed to be connected to the suspected threat against the UK Ijtima, a three-day Islamic gathering held at Shrubland Hall near Barham, Suffolk, which attracted around 15,000 worshippers.
The investigation began after officers received intelligence about what they described as a “potential serious threat” targeting the event. Thirteen people have since been arrested, including eight men initially detained under terrorism legislation. Seven of those men were later released without charge following further enquiries.
Detectives continue to examine evidence seized during searches, including more than 35 digital devices.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said investigators had found no evidence to support charges relating to the alleged plot.
“At this time, we have found no evidence to support anyone being charged with any offences linked to the alleged threat,” she said.
She added that the weapons recovered from the 42-year-old man were “not believed to be connected to the alleged threat” under investigation.
Organisers ended the gathering early on July 12 after police advised them to do so as a precaution. Suffolk Police confirmed all attendees left the site safely while officers maintained a visible presence around the venue.
Searches were carried out at addresses across Surrey, Greater Manchester, Essex, London and Suffolk. Those arrested, aged between 27 and 82, included 11 men and one woman. Eight men were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 on suspicion of terrorism offences, three men on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and one woman on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the response by police and organisers, saying no one had been harmed.
Writing on X, he said: “Shocking news that Counter Terrorism Police are investigating a credible, serious threat targeted at an Islamic event in Suffolk.
“Thanks to the quick action taken by police and the organisers, nobody was hurt.
“My message is clear: I will not tolerate any attacks on our Muslim communities, or any form of anti-Muslim hatred.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the arrests would be deeply concerning for British Muslims.
“Twelve individuals have now been arrested. I know this is deeply concerning news for British Muslims,” she 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.”
Labour councillor Ruman Muhith, who attended the gathering before it ended early, said worshippers had conducted themselves “with dignity and respect” throughout the event.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) thanked counter-terror police for their swift response but warned the incident reflected a wider pattern of anti-Muslim hostility.
“We thank counter-terror police for their swift action in arresting twelve people over a terrorist threat to an Islamic event this weekend,” said Secretary General Dr Wajid Akhter.
“The speed of their response undoubtedly saved lives, and we are relieved everyone is safe.”
However, he warned the incident should not be viewed in isolation.
“Barely a month after racist pogroms in Belfast and a terror-related incident in Edinburgh that left five men injured, this once again highlights that the threat facing Muslim communities is real, not imagined.”
He urged ministers to match “the language of condemnation with actual action and policy”.
The British Muslim Trust also said the investigation highlighted the consequences of rising anti-Muslim hatred. Chief Executive Akeela Ahmed said misinformation about the gathering had circulated online before the event and urged both technology companies and the government to do more to tackle online hate.
The investigation comes amid wider concern over rising anti-Muslim hatred in Britain. Earlier this year, the Crown Prosecution Service said it was handling the highest number of hate crime referrals in its history, with more than 4,350 cases referred by police between July and September last year, a 14.7 per cent increase on the previous quarter.
Counter Terrorism Policing said detectives continue to analyse evidence recovered during the searches but stressed there is currently no evidence of a wider risk to the public.
