Alleged right-wing terror threat leaves village reeling

An alleged right-wing terror threat to an Islamic event at a country estate in Suffolk has left people reeling.

Twelve people were arrested in connection with the possible threat to the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall, in Barham.

Quiet village streets nearby were sealed off and flooded with police and specialist armed officers.

People told the BBC the scene was "absolute carnage" but praised the authorities, saying the operation was methodical.

Nearly 10,000 people came together to pray, talk about their faith and listen to lectures about Islam at the event.

It began on Friday and was due to run through until 14:00 BST on Sunday.

Instead, Suffolk Police worked with organisers to close it at 07:00 "after receiving information about a possible threat made towards the event".

Dr Wajid Akhter, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, thanked the police, saying he believed their actions had saved lives.

Eleven men and one woman were arrested, and Counter Terrorism Policing officers conducted searches at various addresses across the country linked to them.

Anita Woolnough was setting off for an early morning dog walk at 05:25 on Sunday when she first spotted police activity.

By the time she returned, she said there were about 50 police vehicles in the area.

"There were loads of police here," she said. "Armed police and they were shutting down the event".

She added she was pleased to hear police were expected to stay at the scene for the next few days.

Jason Langford, who lives at Great Blakenham, said: "I'm still reeling from it, quite honestly. You just don't expect it in rural Suffolk.

"I was amazed by the armed police, the road closures - it was absolute carnage.

"They [the police] handled it really well, very calm, very methodical... You don't normally see that in a little village like this; it's very peaceful, but they handled it really well.

"Then a few of my neighbours started to come out to understand what was going on, but at that time we didn't know of the terrorist threat, which is probably not a bad thing, as otherwise people start speculating."

Andy Mellen, Green leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: "This is shocking news which we know will be concerning for local communities.

"It is important we continue to let police do their job, as this is an ongoing investigation.

"Suffolk is one of the safest places in the country, and Mid Suffolk District Council will continue to work with partners to reassure the community."

Akhter said: "We thank counter-terror police for their swift action in arresting twelve people over a terrorist threat to an Islamic event this weekend; the speed of their response undoubtedly saved lives, and we are relieved everyone is safe."

But he warned the event cannot be treated as an isolated incident, pointing to racist riots in Belfast and a series of suspected anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh.

"This once again highlights that the threat facing Muslim communities is real, not imagined," he added.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously said the response of the police in tackling a "credible threat" had "undoubtedly saved lives".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described it as "shocking news", adding: "My message is clear: I will not tolerate any attacks on our Muslim communities, or any form of anti-Muslim hatred."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.