Norfolk Police has apologised after incorrectly telling residents it was dealing with a major incident linked to a Suffolk terror investigation.
Norfolk Police has apologised after mistakenly announcing that the force was dealing with a major incident and temporarily unable to handle non-emergency calls.
The alert was issued while Norfolk officers were helping Suffolk Police respond to a suspected terrorist threat directed at the UK Ijtima, a large Islamic gathering held at Shrubland Hall near Ipswich.
The major incident was declared by Suffolk Police to coordinate the safe departure of around 15,000 people after organisers were advised to bring the event to an early close. Norfolk Police later clarified that the incident was not taking place within its own county and apologised for the confusion caused by its message.
Counter Terrorism Policing London says 12 people have been arrested across England as part of an investigation linked to suspected extreme right-wing terrorism.
Eight men were detained under the Terrorism Act, three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and a woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. One of those arrested has since been released on bail.
Police say searches and inquiries are continuing, but there is not believed to be any wider threat to the public.
Additional officers are expected to remain visible around Shrubland Hall to reassure nearby communities following the incident.
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