UPDATE: Peacehaven Mosque Targeted in Suspected Arson, Police Investigate Hate Crime

Emergency services were called to a fire at a community mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, on Saturday evening. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews attended the scene and have since stood down after bringing the blaze under control.

Shocking footage shared with Sussex News appears to show the building being deliberately set alight. The video shows a man wearing a face covering placing flammable material at the entrance of the mosque before igniting it. Flames quickly spread, and the footage also captures the dramatic escape of a male who was inside at the time, managing to get out safely.

The building, formerly a social club, is now used by a local group as both a mosque and a community space, open to all members of the public. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, though damage occurred to the front entrance and a vehicle parked outside.

A spokesperson for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters acted swiftly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Sussex Police are treating the incident as a hate crime and investigating it as arson. Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said:

“This is a fast-moving investigation, and we are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to us. This includes anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell, dashcam, or mobile phone footage in the area at the time.
We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community. There is already an increased police presence at the scene, along with additional patrols at other places of worship across the county.
Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, and there is no place for hate across the county. If you have concerns for your safety or experience any hate or criminal behaviour, please speak to an officer, contact us online, or call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with information about the arson is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Spey. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.