A man has been arrested following a suspected arson attack that targeted a mosque in East Sussex, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The 41-year-old suspect remains in police custody after emergency services responded to reports of a fire at the religious building on Sunday evening. Sussex Police confirmed the arrest was made on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Swift Police Response
Fire crews from multiple stations rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, which caused significant damage to the mosque's exterior. Police have cordoned off the area as forensic experts conduct a thorough examination of the site.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Johnson stated: "This is being treated as a deliberate act and we are following several lines of enquiry. Attacks on places of worship will not be tolerated in our communities."
Community Shows Resilience
Local residents and community leaders have expressed their shock and solidarity with the mosque congregation. The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from neighbouring religious groups and community organisations.
One local resident told reporters: "This is a peaceful community where people of all faiths live side by side. We're devastated that someone would target a place of worship."
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and conducting house-to-house enquiries. Police have appealed for any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward.
The investigation continues as forensic teams work to determine the exact cause of the fire and gather evidence for potential prosecution.
