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Police in southern England have launched a hate crime investigation after a suspected arson attack at a mosque in Peacehaven, just days after a deadly assault on a synagogue in Manchester.
Officers were called to the scene late on Saturday following reports of a fire at the mosque, which caused damage to its front entrance and a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Sussex Police released CCTV images of two masked men dressed in dark clothing and appealed to the public for help in identifying them.
Detective Inspector Gavin Patch described the incident as “an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe.”
He confirmed the force was treating the blaze as “arson with intent to endanger life” and that multiple lines of inquiry were being pursued to track down those responsible.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions following Thursday’s assault on a synagogue in Manchester, where two people were killed and three seriously injured.
Authorities are examining possible links to Islamist extremism in that case.
A spokesperson for the Peacehaven mosque expressed relief that no one had been harmed and urged unity in response to the attack.
“We are profoundly grateful that no one was injured,” the spokesperson said.
“This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. We call on everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the incident as “deeply concerning,” stating on social media, “Attacks against Britain’s Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.”
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, also condemned the fire, urging solidarity among faith communities.
“Every faith community has the right to worship free from fear,” he said. “Over recent weeks, there has been a lot of focus on how we have become a divided kingdom. But we are the United Kingdom—and we need to move forward against hate together.”
