UK Police Find No Evidence of Terror Offence in Suffolk Islamic Event Probe
Investigation into Suspected Threat at Suffolk Islamic Event
Background of the Incident
July 18 (Reuters) - British police said on Saturday they had found no evidence to charge anyone with a terrorism offence linked to a suspected threat against an Islamic event in eastern England last weekend.
Thirteen people had been arrested between Sunday and Thursday after police became aware of a "potential serious threat" towards the religious event, attended by about 15,000 people at a country house in Suffolk.
Arrests and Charges
Details of the Arrests
Of those, eight men had been detained under the Terrorism Act but seven of them were released without charge on Saturday, the police said.
Charges Unrelated to Terrorism
The remaining man, 42, was charged with possession of offensive weapons — extendable batons — and the possession of a stun gun, after items were recovered during searches.
Police said those offences were not believed to be connected to the alleged threat.
Police Statements and Ongoing Enquiries
Official Statement
"We have found no evidence to support anyone being charged with any offences linked to the alleged threat," Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said in a statement.
Continued Investigation
She said enquiries were ongoing and that police would not hesitate to take further action if threats to the public were identified.
Seizure of Evidence
Officers seized more than 35 digital devices during the investigation, which included searches of homes and vehicles.
Context and Community Response
National Terrorism Threat Level
Britain raised its national terrorism threat level to "severe" in April, signalling that an attack was considered highly likely.
Reassurance to the Muslim Community
Interior minister Shabana Mahmood said last week that she knew the arrests would be concerning for British Muslims.
Flanagan said she wanted to reassure the Muslim community that enquiries were continuing.
(Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
