Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, as a hate crime. The incident occurred on Saturday night, damaging the front entrance and destroying a parked car. No injuries were reported.
Footage from the scene showed large flames and a man narrowly escaping the building. Additional footage captured two masked individuals pouring liquid around the entrance before setting it alight. Sussex Police confirmed accelerant was sprayed at the entrance before the fire spread to the vehicle.
Police have released CCTV images of two suspects wearing balaclavas. One wore a distinctive black jacket with a white 'Pre London' logo, and the other wore bright red gloves. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact them, quoting 'Operation Spey'.
Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said it was 'purely by chance' that no one was injured. He praised the fire service's response, adding: 'This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community.'
A spokesperson for the mosque expressed gratitude that no one was hurt, stating: 'This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.'
Sussex Police confirmed the incident is not currently being treated as terror-related. Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna acknowledged the community's concerns, particularly for the Muslim community. The Muslim Council of Britain linked the attack to a pattern of violence and intimidation, citing recent incidents including a stabbing of an imam in Hounslow.
