A suspected arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, is being investigated as a hate crime by Sussex Police. The incident occurred on Saturday night, damaging the front entrance and leaving a car parked outside completely burnt out. No injuries were reported, but images from the scene showed large flames and a man inside the building making a narrow escape.
Police were called to Phyllis Avenue shortly before 10pm on Saturday. Investigators believe accelerant was sprayed at the entrance before the fire was started, which then spread to the car. CCTV footage shows two masked individuals pouring liquid around the entrance, and police have released images of the suspects, one wearing a black jacket with a Pre London logo and the other wearing bright red gloves. Anyone with information is urged to call 999 quoting 'Operation Spey'.
Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said it was 'purely by chance' that no one was injured, and praised the response of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. He added: 'This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community.' The Green Party's co-deputy leader, Mothin Ali, called on police to urgently clarify whether the attack also constituted an act of terrorism.
A spokesperson for the mosque expressed gratitude that no one was injured, stating: 'This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values.' Sussex Police confirmed on Sunday evening that the incident is not being treated as terror-related at this time.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) linked the attack to what it described as 'a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation', noting recent incidents including a stabbing of an imam in Hounslow and bomb threats against mosques. MCB Secretary-General Wajid Akhter said: 'These incidents do not occur in a vacuum. This comes as media and political figures escalate collective blame and deliberate misrepresentation of Muslim communities.' The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the attack, stating: 'Every faith community has the right to worship free from fear. Our country is better than this.'
