Warrants of further detention have been obtained for eight of the 12 people arrested at the weekend as part of an investigation into a suspected planned attack at an Islamic event in Suffolk.
The investigation is related to extreme right-wing terrorism and is connected to a suspected threat directed towards an Islamic event held at Shrubland Hall, Suffolk, between 9 and 12 July.
The UK Ijtima event closed early on 12 July after concerns over a possible threat.
12 people were arrested on 12 and 13 July at addresses in Suffolk, Stoke, Surrey, Ipswich, Essex and London.
Eight of them were detained under section 41 of the Terrorist Act. Warrant of further detention have now been obtained for these eight men, so they can now be held in custody for up to seven days from the point of their arrest.
Three other men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and have now been released on bail.
A woman, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting offender, has also been released on bail.
10 searches at residential properties have been carried out, four completed and six are ongoing. 35 digital devices have been seized and a number of vehicles have been searched.
The investigation is being led by officers from CTP London, with support from colleagues in the Eastern Region Special Operational Unit (ERSOU), CTP North West and CTP South East. The investigation team also remains in close contact with colleagues in Suffolk Police.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London said: “We are very aware the police activity 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, those attending the event and the local community in the area for their support and understanding while 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.”
ACC Alice Scott, of Suffolk Police, said: “We remain in close dialogue, working with our local partners in Suffolk, prioritising community reassurance activity.
“Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to protecting our communities from harm, tackling extremism in all its forms, and working collaboratively to ensure people can gather, worship and celebrate safely.
“I repeat my call from earlier this week and urge people to speak to our local officers if they have any concerns or issues they wish to raise with us on the matter and we remain grateful for the support of everyone concerned.”
