Investigation Underway After Mosque Fire in Peacehaven
A mosque on Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven, East Sussex, was damaged by fire on a Saturday evening, with police treating the incident as a hate crime. Fire crews were called to the scene at approximately 21:50 BST, and no injuries were reported. The attack has prompted a swift response from law enforcement and renewed focus on the safety of places of worship across the county.
What Happened and What Was Damaged
Sussex Police said the fire damaged the front entrance of the building and a vehicle parked outside. A volunteer at the mosque described how two individuals attempted to enter through the locked front door, poured a liquid at the entrance and near the car, and then sparked a blaze that could have caused serious harm. According to the volunteer, two people inside the mosque managed to escape unharmed.
Video circulating on social media appears to show two figures in balaclavas approaching the entry point as the fire rapidly escalates. BBC has noted the footage but has not independently verified it. The police have urged caution in interpreting such material while they continue their investigation.
Police Response and Community Assurance
Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna of Sussex Police stated that the force recognizes the concerns this incident raises within the community and the potential impact on Muslims in the area. She confirmed an increased police presence at the mosque and additional patrols at other places of worship to provide reassurance to communities that may feel vulnerable.
Officers are conducting a fast-moving investigation, and detectives are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage. Authorities are seeking CCTV, doorbell, and dashcam recordings from the area around the time of the fire to help determine the sequence of events and identify those responsible.
Context and Wider Concerns About Safety
Monday’s report arrives amid heightened national attention on the safety of religious sites after a separate, deadly attack at a synagogue in Manchester. The incident has intensified dialogue about hate crime prevention and the measures needed to safeguard worship spaces.
In this case, police are treating the matter as a hate crime, a designation that underscores the seriousness with which authorities view crimes motivated by hostility toward a person’s religion. The investigation will consider whether the motive was directly linked to the mosque’s religious function and the broader risk to the faith community.
What Comes Next
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police. Details can be provided via the force’s online reporting portal or by calling 101, referencing the Peacehaven mosque incident. In parallel, investigators will continue gathering evidence at the scene, reviewing CCTV coverage from neighboring streets, and coordinating with community leaders to ensure continued safety and dialogue.
Statements and Community Impact
The mosque’s leadership has emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of violence. Community spokespeople stress that attacks on worship spaces are attacks on shared values and freedoms. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting all residents and maintaining public safety in East Sussex.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by hate crimes and the need for effective prevention, rapid investigation, and robust support for affected communities. As the investigation progresses, authorities will provide updates and guidance to help residents stay informed and vigilant.
