Incident Overview
Emergency services were summoned to a fire outside a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, at about 9:50pm on Saturday. Footage from the scene showed a large blaze in front of the building, which was subsequently extinguished by the fire service. A burnt-out car was later seen near the entrance, underscoring the severity of the incident. Police confirmed that no injuries had been reported.
The force has stated that it is treating the incident as a hate crime, marking a serious turn in a case that has already shaken the local Muslim community and raised concerns about safety at places of worship across the county.
Police Response and Investigation
Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna of Sussex Police described the investigation as “a fast-moving investigation,” urging anyone with information to come forward. The police are seeking footage from CCTV cameras, Ring doorbells, dashcams, and mobile devices in the vicinity at the time of the incident, highlighting the critical role of community-sourced evidence in solving such cases.
In addition to collecting material for the inquiry, Sussex Police have increased their visible presence at the mosque and are conducting extra patrols at other worship sites throughout the county. The aim is to provide reassurance to communities and deter potential threats while the investigation unfolds.
Sussex Police reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on hate crime, stressing that there is “no place for hate across the county.” This message signals ongoing efforts to address hate incidents in a region where communities rely on safety and mutual respect for daily life and religious freedom.
Community Impact and Reassurance Efforts
Public safety officials recognize the wider impact of an arson attempt targeting a religious site. The timing of the event, after hours when the building would have been less monitored, potentially increases fear and insecurity among worshippers and neighbors. The police response, including increased patrols and outreach, aims to prevent a chilling effect and to reassure residents that authorities are prioritizing protection of all faith communities in East Sussex.
Community leaders have urged calm and cooperation with investigators while acknowledging the distress such incidents cause. Local residents might notice heightened security around mosques and community centers in the coming days as the investigation continues and the force works to build a clear timeline of events.
What Happens Next
With the investigation described as fast-moving, investigators will pursue a range of leads, including surveillance footage and potential witnesses who observed odd activity on or around the premises in the hours leading up to the fire. If any new information emerges, it could quickly influence the direction of inquiries and lead to further appeals for assistance from the public.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Sussex Police, ensuring that the wider community contributes to solving crimes that target religious spaces. For residents and worshippers, continued dialogue with police and faith leaders remains essential to maintaining a sense of safety and unity during this uncertain period.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- An arson attack on a Peacehaven mosque is being treated as a hate crime by Sussex Police.
- The investigation is described as fast-moving, with authorities soliciting CCTV, doorbell, dashcam, and mobile footage.
- There will be an increased police presence at the mosque and at other places of worship to reassure communities.
As the inquiry progresses, authorities will continue to update the public on any developments. The commitment from Sussex Police to a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime underscores the seriousness with which the case is being treated and the broader aim of safeguarding diverse faith communities across the region.
