Police have made further arrests in connection with an arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, which caused significant damage to the building and a nearby vehicle. The incident occurred at about 9.50pm on Saturday, 17 March, at the mosque on Phyllis Avenue. No injuries were reported.
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They include a 46-year-old man, a 25-year-old, a 27-year-old and a 22-year-old. All have been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
Footage released by police shows two individuals wearing masks and dark clothing approaching the front door, spraying an accelerant on the entrance and igniting a fire. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore described the attack as “shocking” and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney said police would continue to engage with affected communities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling”, adding that an attack on Muslims was an attack on all Britons. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “We must stand united. This country’s greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities.”
