LONDON: A man has been charged with weapons offenses in the UK following an investigation into suspected threats against an Islamic event last week, Sky News reported.
It followed alleged threats against the Ijtima weekend event in Suffolk, held on July 9-12.
The festival, which hosted about 15,000 people, was supposed to allow Muslims to come together and celebrate their faith.
But armed officers shut down the event after the alleged terror threat, with an unnamed 42-year-old becoming the first suspect charged following the subsequent investigation, though police later denied any connection to the suspected festival threats.
A dozen people were arrested in total, with four released on police bail and eight others detained under the Terrorism Act.
Seven of those were released from custody without charge on July 18.
The 42-year-old was charged with two offenses linked to possession of deadly weapons — extendable batons and a stun gun.
He is due to appear in magistrates’ court on July 20.
However, police said the recovered items and offenses are not believed to be connected to the suspected threat against the Ijtima festival.
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 enquiries, but at this time, we have found no evidence to support anyone being charged with any offenses 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 enquiries are ongoing. Should we identify any potential offenses or threats to the public, then we will not hesitate to take further action.
“I want to reiterate my thanks to the event organizers and to the local community in the area for their continued support and understanding as our investigation continues.”
Suffolk Constabulary’s Paul Wells said that a “visible and active” police presence was deployed to the event in the wake of the threat.
“I repeat our earlier message of gratitude for the patience, support and understanding shown by local residents and others, during last weekend and since,” he said.
Ruman Muhith, a member of Ipswich Borough Council who attended the festival and helped organizers, told the BBC: “I don’t think anyone expected it. This doesn’t happen in Suffolk — it’s a very peaceful and multicultural county.
“It was surreal, and this could have been potentially the largest terror attack on British soil, period.”
