A mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, was the target of a suspected arson attack late Saturday night, which authorities are treating as a hate crime. The blaze caused damage to the building’s entrance and destroyed a nearby vehicle, though thankfully no injuries were reported.
CCTV footage shared by local police appears to show two masked individuals dousing liquid accelerant around the mosque’s doorway before igniting the fire. Flames quickly spread, engulfing both the entrance and the parked car outside. Emergency crews responded promptly, and a man inside the mosque narrowly escaped harm.
Local faith leaders and community members have strongly condemned the attack, calling it a chilling reminder of the threat of religious intolerance. Many emphasized the need for solidarity, urging people to reject division and stand together against hate.
Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses, encouraging anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage to come forward. Additional patrols have been deployed around places of worship in the area as a show of reassurance and protection.
This incident joins a troubling pattern of attacks against religious sites in recent weeks. In light of rising tensions over migration, asylum seekers, and religious identity, the mosque arson is being closely watched as a possible flashpoint in Britain’s battle against hate and violence.