A suspected arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, is being investigated by police as a hate crime. The incident occurred on Saturday night, damaging the front entrance and burning out a parked car. No injuries were reported, but CCTV footage shows two masked individuals pouring accelerant before starting the fire.
Sussex Police were called to Phyllis Avenue shortly before 10pm. Detectives have released images of two suspects wearing balaclavas, one in a distinctive black jacket with a Pre London logo and the other in bright red gloves. The investigation is codenamed Operation Spey, and police are appealing for information.
Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, described the attack as 'violence and hatred' with 'no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community'. He noted it was 'purely by chance' that no one was hurt. The Green Party's co-deputy leader, Mothin Ali, urged police to clarify if the attack also constituted terrorism, though police have stated it is not being treated as terror-related at this time.
A spokesperson for the mosque expressed gratitude that no one was injured, saying: 'This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect and mutual support.' The Muslim Council of Britain linked the attack to a wider pattern of violence, including a recent stabbing of an imam in Hounslow and bomb threats against mosques.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the incident, stating: 'Every faith community has the right to worship free from fear. Our country is better than this.' Police continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to contact them.
