British politician Andy Burnham, who is likely to become the UK’s next prime minister, condemned what police described as an alleged right-wing terrorist threat targeting an Islamist gathering in Suffolk, saying anti-Muslim hatred “has no place” in the UK.In a post on the websiteCounter-terrorism police (CTP) have announced the arrest of 12 people following an alleged plot linked to the British Meeting event at Srobeland Hall in Barham, Suffolk, the BBC reports.
According to investigators, the case is being treated as a right-wing terrorism investigation.
Officers carried out coordinated raids in several parts of England, with arrests made in Surrey, Greater Manchester, Essex, London and Ipswich.Eight men were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in detention. Three other men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while a 48-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. One of the four has been released on bail, while the others remain in custody, police said.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of London’s counter-terrorism police, said: “Officers acted quickly after receiving intelligence about the alleged threat. We will not hesitate to take immediate action whenever there is evidence of a potential risk to public safety.”The investigation is still ongoing, as officers continue to search addresses linked to the detainees.