British police have arrested 12 people as part of an investigation into a suspected extreme right-wing terrorism plot targeting a large Islamic gathering held over the weekend in eastern England.
Police said the arrests were carried out on Sunday and Monday at locations across England after authorities identified what they described as a “potential serious threat” against the religious event.
The gathering, attended by around 15,000 people, took place at a country estate in Suffolk from July 9 to 12. While the event largely proceeded as planned, organisers ended it earlier than scheduled on Sunday following the security concerns.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the nature of the alleged threat as investigations continue.
Responding to the arrests, UK Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the anxiety the incident would cause within the Muslim community.
“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,” she wrote on X.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.