A mosque in East Sussex has been severely damaged in a fire that police are treating as a potential hate crime, following witness reports of a man deliberately starting the blaze.
The incident occurred at the mosque on Meridian Way in Peacehaven, with emergency services rushing to the scene after multiple calls from concerned residents. Witnesses reported seeing a man set fire to the building before fleeing the area.
Community in Shock After 'Terrifying' Attack
Sussex Police have launched a thorough investigation and are appealing for information from the public. Detective Superintendent Miles Ockwell confirmed they are treating the fire as arson and potentially a hate crime, stating: "We are following a number of lines of enquiry and would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened."
Local residents expressed their horror at the incident, with one neighbour describing the scene as "terrifying" and noting how quickly the flames spread through the religious building.
Emergency Response and Damage Assessment
Fire crews from multiple stations battled the blaze through the night, working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent properties. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports suggest significant structural harm to the mosque.
The investigation involves both forensic experts and hate crime specialists, reflecting the serious nature of the incident and its potential impact on community relations.
Appeal for Witnesses and Information
Police have urged anyone with information about the fire or who witnessed suspicious activity in the Meridian Way area to come forward. They're particularly interested in speaking with motorists who may have dashcam footage from the vicinity around the time the fire started.
Community leaders have called for calm and unity, emphasising the importance of standing together against such attacks on places of worship.
