A mosque in East Sussex was targeted in a suspected hate crime arson attack on Saturday night, with shocking footage showing masked individuals deliberately setting fire to the building and a car parked outside.
Emergency services were called to the Peace Community Centre and Mosque on Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven shortly before 10pm on Saturday evening, following reports that individuals in balaclavas had set fire to the front entrance and a vehicle.
Sussex Police confirmed the incident is being treated as a hate crime targeting the Muslim community. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, although two people, including an elderly man in his 60s, were inside the building at the time, according to local media reports.
Shocking footage shared with Sussex News appears to show a man wearing a face covering placing flammable material at the entrance of the mosque before stepping back and igniting it. Flames quickly spread, and the video also captures the dramatic escape of a man who was inside at the time, managing to get out safely as the fire erupted.
Police Launch Fast-Moving Investigation
Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna of Sussex Police said this is a fast-moving investigation, and they are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to them. She added that this includes anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell, dashcam and mobile phone footage in the area at the time.
Detective Superintendent Bohanna continued, saying they understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result. There is already an increased police presence at the scene, and there are also additional patrols taking place to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county.
She emphasised that Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, and there is no place for hate across the county.
Targeted Attack on Place of Worship
The front of the building and a car parked outside suffered damage in the attack. The building, which was formerly a social club, is now used by a local group as both a mosque and a community space, open to all members of the public.
A member of the mosque told The Sun the fire was a “targeted attack”, adding that there was an attack on the mosque and a few individuals came with balaclavas on and blew up a vehicle outside the mosque and set the front alight.
Officials from the mosque confirmed the arson attack, writing on their Instagram story that “unfortunately, two individuals have set fire to a car right in front of the mosque”. The mosque’s statement added that “Peacehaven Mosque will be closed until further notice”.
Images and footage being shared online appear to show two masked men approaching the door of the mosque shortly before a car bursts into flames close to the entrance. One of the alleged arsonists was wearing a black jacket and a covering to hide their face.
Local Leaders Condemn Attack
Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven Chris Ward expressed his outrage at the attack, saying he was appalled by the disgusting arson attack on Peacehaven mosque. He added that the fact there were no injuries is purely by chance.
Mr Ward said he had spoken with Sussex Police on Sunday morning and was very grateful to them and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for their response. He emphasised that this violence and hatred has no place in their peaceful, tolerant local community, adding they will root it out and they stand in solidarity with all affected.
Brighton and Hove Council Leader Bella Sankey said she was deeply shocked and saddened by the deliberate fire set at Peacehaven Mosque. She described the appalling act of violence as being investigated as a hate crime, adding they are working closely with Lewes District Council, East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to support their efforts and ensure the safety of communities.
Councillor Sankey continued, saying Islamophobia and racist violence have no place in the region. She added that they stand in solidarity with Muslim neighbours and reaffirm their commitment to protecting all places of worship and fostering a community built on respect, inclusion and peace.
Community Solidarity
Leader of Lewes District Council Zoe Nicholson said this is a deeply distressing incident that strikes at the heart of the community.
A spokesman for Brighton and Hove Stand Up to Racism said they send their solidarity to those at Peacehaven Mosque and within the wider Muslim community for whom this must be an incredibly distressing time. The spokesman added they stand together with the Muslim community against Islamophobia, just as they stand with the Jewish community against antisemitism.
The attack comes days after a terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday, in which two Jewish people were killed. There is renewed focus on safety at places of worship following that incident.
Swift Emergency Response
A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters acted swiftly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties. Crews attended the scene and have since stood down after bringing the fire under control.
Residents reported hearing sirens and seeing smoke rising from the site shortly after the incident began, with many expressing shock and concern on social media.
Appeal for Information
Sussex Police are appealing for anyone with information about the arson to come forward. The force said if you have concerns for your safety or experience any hate or criminal behaviour, please speak to an officer or contact them online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Spey. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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