Investigation into East Sussex mosque fire under hate crime review
A fire at a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, is being treated by police as a hate crime following an initial report of arson. Fire crews were called to the Phyllis Avenue building at around 21:50 BST on Saturday, and while no one was hurt, the incident damaged the front entrance and a vehicle parked outside.
Detectives from Sussex Police described the case as a “fast-moving investigation” and said extra officers were at the scene to reassure worshippers and the wider community. Det Supt Karrie Bohanna emphasized the police response, noting heightened patrols at other places of worship across the county.
What happened and what can we confirm
According to the police, the fire damaged the mosque entrance and a car parked outside. A volunteer at the mosque, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said two individuals attempted to enter through the front door, found it locked, and then poured a liquid at the entrance and near the vehicle before a blaze was started outside. The volunteer reported that two people inside the mosque escaped without injury.
A video circulating on social media appeared to show two people in balaclavas approaching an entry before a large fire took hold. The BBC noted that it had not verified the footage.
Contexts and community impact
The attack comes amid renewed concern about safety at places of worship, particularly after an incident outside a Manchester synagogue earlier in the week that left two people dead. The UK has faced scrutiny over religiously motivated hate crimes, and authorities say they are treating this incident as part of that wider concern.
Det Supt Bohanna said the response aims to support the local Muslim community and maintain public safety: “There is already an increased police presence at the scene and additional patrols to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county.”
What investigators are asking for
The police are appealing for information, including CCTV, doorbell footage, and dashcam video from and around the Phyllis Avenue area at the time of the incident. Anyone with information is urged to come forward to help identify those responsible and understand the sequence of events leading to the fire.
Ongoing safety measures and what to expect
Authorities have indicated that the investigation is progressing quickly as detectives piece together the motive and timeline. In the meantime, additional patrols and a visible police presence at mosques and other places of worship are intended to provide reassurance to communities and deter further hate-motivated acts.
Looking ahead
As the investigation continues, officials are urging calm and patience from residents while the facts are established. The incident is a reminder of the ongoing importance of safeguarding religious spaces and fostering dialogue across communities to prevent similar acts in the future.
Country context and ongoing discussions about anti-religious violence remain in public focus as law enforcement coordinates with community leaders to address concerns and ensure safety for all residents.
