Police Collaborate with Organisers to Halt Event Amid Terror Threat
The UK Ijtima event, intended as a gathering for thousands of Muslims to pray, celebrate Islam, and deepen their faith, was abruptly interrupted on Sunday morning when police, including armed units, arrived at Shrubland Hall in Barham, near Ipswich.
The celebration, which began on Friday and was planned to continue through the weekend, was closed by Suffolk Police following an alleged terror threat targeting the event.
Counter Terrorism Policing initiated an investigation and confirmed the arrest of 12 individuals. Below is a detailed account of the incident and the information available so far.
What Was the UK Ijtima Event?
The Shrubland Estate, comprising a Georgian manor and Italian-style gardens, serves as a venue for weddings and private events.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community describes Ijtima events as opportunities for followers to "reform and strengthen" their efforts in "conveying the message of Islam to all of humanity."
The festival, attracting approximately 15,000 attendees, was promoted as an "opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal" and a "historic gathering." Muslims from around 50 countries were encouraged to attend, with coaches arranged to transport participants to and from the site.
A promotional poster indicated this would be the first UK Ijtima on such a scale since 1985, offering some Muslims the chance to connect for the first time in 41 years.
The Grade II listed Shrubland Hall and its extensive gardens and woodland were described as the "ideal" setting for the event. Also known as Shrubland Palace, the historic country house was built in the early 1770s. Its "secluded location" was noted to ensure "minimal impact on the local area."
Why Was the Event Stopped So Suddenly?
The festival welcomed attendees from Friday and was scheduled to conclude at 14:00 BST on Sunday. Local businesses, including shops and taxi services, anticipated increased trade during the weekend; however, by 07:00 on Sunday, the event had been closed.
Suffolk Police collaborated with organisers to promptly wind down the gathering "after receiving information about a possible threat made towards the event."
The BBC understands that officers informed organisers of a "credible threat" during the early hours of Sunday morning, and they agreed to cease the event following morning prayer.
The police stated the decision was a precautionary measure and confirmed there was "no wider threat to the public."
A police presence remained at the scene throughout Sunday and Monday.
Who Was Arrested?
On Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced awareness of a "potential serious threat" to the event and declared a major incident. This status was later lifted after 12 arrests related to the investigation, which CTP described as "right-wing terrorism related."
The individuals were detained on suspicion of terrorism offences, conspiracy to murder, and assisting an offender.
On Tuesday, CTP London Commander Helen Flanagan stated officers had up to seven days to question the eight people arrested under the Terrorism Act.
- Two men, aged 27 and 29, arrested in Surrey
- Two men, both 42, held in Essex
- Two men, aged 31 and 33, held in London
- One man, 27, arrested in Ipswich
- One man, 35, arrested in Greater Manchester
Additionally, three men aged 55, 60, and 82, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, have been released on bail, along with a 48-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Homes and vehicles were searched, with over 35 digital devices recovered and a vehicle seized.
"We are very aware this 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 for their support and their understanding whilst 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." – Helen Flanagan, CTP London Commander
What Have the Organisers Said?
In a statement on Sunday morning, event organisers explained that the decision to end the festival earlier than planned was "taken in the interests of public safety."
"As responsible organisers, we immediately accepted the advice of Suffolk Police and worked closely with officers to facilitate the safe and orderly departure of all attendees. The welfare of our guests, neighbouring residents and the wider community has always been our highest priority."
Ruman Muhith, a Labour member on Ipswich Borough Council who attended the festival and assisted organisers, commented:
"I don't think anyone expected it. This doesn't happen in Suffolk – it's a very peaceful and multi-cultural county. It was surreal, and this could have been potentially the largest terror attack on British soil, period."
How Has the Muslim Community Reacted?
Muhith emphasised that the Muslim community would not be intimidated by the threat.
"We are not going to let a small minority stop events that are peaceful, safe and legal. Ignorant people will remain ignorant, and ignorance should never, never dictate the freedom of people to openly celebrate or worship."
Imam Qasim Ahmad, one of the custodians of the Shrubland Estate and chair of the committee overseeing activities there, shared his perspective.
He noted that two weeks prior to the event, organisers were informed of a potential demonstration outside the estate, which would have been "welcomed." However, the terror threat created a "tense situation."
"It was shocking to see that people could go to that level in this country, and it sends shivers in our bodies when we think about it. It was quite a stressful situation at that time to have the pressure of evacuating everybody, which we managed to do within two hours."
What Do Locals Think?
Anita Woolnough, who was walking her dog on Sunday, encountered the significant police presence.
"You don't normally see that in a little village like this. It's very peaceful, but they handled it really well."
Jason Langford, a resident of Great Blakenham, expressed his shock at the terror threat.
"You just don't expect it in rural Suffolk. I was amazed by the armed police, the road closures – it was absolute carnage."
Robert Stamper, living in the village, estimated that about "70 to 80 busloads" of festival-goers were dropped off daily.
He described the event as well organised and stated that concerns about the large attendance were "blown out of proportion."
"It didn't bother me and there were no problems except the pub had to close down, and having pubs in our local village is very important for us. But as the event goes, I think it was well managed."
Neil Jackson, landlord of The Sorrel Horse pub near the event site, said organisers invited him and his customers to the festival.
On Saturday evening, some attendees reportedly visited the pub to watch the England v Norway World Cup match. However, the pub had to close on Sunday during police investigations, resulting in significant financial losses.
"We have all lost an awful lot of money, so hopefully they'll be able to compensate us. They're sort of saying it wasn't their fault, but it was still their event."
What Has the Government Said?
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott praised the police's swift action on Sunday, stating it "undoubtedly saved many lives."
"I know this incident this cause deep concern, particularly within our Muslim communities in Ipswich and Suffolk. Our town and county are welcoming and inclusive, and we must come together to reject this sort of hatred towards our friends and neighbours."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood echoed this sentiment, noting the police response to the "credible threat" ensured attendees were "kept safe."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as "shocking."
"My message is clear: I will not tolerate any attacks on our Muslim communities, or any form of anti-Muslim hatred."
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