Eight released over alleged threat to Islamic event

Eight more people have been freed from custody, as police continue to investigate an alleged extreme right-wing threat to an Islamic event in Suffolk.

Officers became aware of the threat to the UK Ijtima event at Shrubland Hall, near Ipswich, last weekend.

Thousands of people attended the gathering but it closed early on police advice.

The Metropolitan Police said on Saturday that seven men were released from custody without charge, while another man was released on bail with strict conditions pending further inquiries.

The force said the investigation involved searching homes and vehicles, and more than 35 digital devices were seized.

Following those searches, a 42-year-old man was charged with two counts of possession of offensive weapons, extendable batons, and possession of a stun gun.

Police said the charges were not believed to be connected to the alleged threat on UK Ijtima.

The man was remanded in custody to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Four other people were previously released on bail pending further inquiries.

Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, said: "This has been a fast-moving investigation after we became aware of information to indicate there was a potential threat towards the Islamic event over the course of last weekend.

"Since then, we have made extensive inquiries, but at this time we have found no evidence to support anyone being charged with any offences linked to the alleged threat.

"While I know this may still be very concerning to the public and particularly to those in the Muslim community, I want to reassure them that our inquiries are ongoing.

"Should we identify any potential offences or threats to the public then we will not hesitate to take further action.

"I want to reiterate my thanks to the event organisers and to the local community in the area for their continued support and understanding as our investigation continues."

The event started on Friday, 10 July and was meant to end on the Sunday afternoon, but it was shut down at 07:00 BST on the final day after police informed organisers during the early hours of a "credible threat".

Armed officers were among those who went to the scene, closed roads and helped as many as 15,000 guests from around the world evacuate the site.

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