In what is being treated as a deliberate act of arson, a mosque in Peacehaven was badly damaged late on Saturday evening (4 October). The fire, which also involved a vehicle, is now the subject of a joint investigation by Sussex Police and the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, with local government and community leaders uniting to decry the attack.
Flames and Fury: What We Know So Far
At approximately 21:45, firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at the mosque on Phyllis Avenue. On arrival, they found a car fully engulfed in flames, with the fire having spread to the adjacent mosque building. Crews from Preston Circus and Roedean stations, equipped with breathing apparatus and using firefighting foam, contained and extinguished the fire. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or harm to members of the public.
Quick forensic examination suggested the fire was started deliberately. Sussex Police detectives have launched a full-blown investigation, appealing for public assistance to identify two individuals believed to be involved.
Official Response: “No Place for Hate and Division”
Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court described the incident as “appalling and reckless,” acknowledging the impact on community feeling and promising an increased police presence in Peacehaven and extra patrols at places of worship across Sussex. He stressed that “those who are responsible … will be dealt with robustly by the police and put before the courts.”
Katy Bourne, Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, vehemently condemned the attack as “the height of hateful criminality.” She called on anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that there can be no justification for such “cowardly and potentially fatal” behaviour.
Local government voices joined in solidarity:
Keith Glazier, Leader of East Sussex County Council, called the crime “horribly shocking,” affirming his commitment to working with police, fire & rescue, and district authorities to safeguard community cohesion.
Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, expressed deep sorrow, declaring support for the Muslim community in Peacehaven and urging any witnesses to contact police.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The mosque attack has triggered alarm throughout Peacehaven and the surrounding areas, particularly within the local Muslim community, for whom places of worship are centres of spiritual refuge and communal gathering. News of the blaze has sparked widespread condemnation locally, with residents and faith leaders joining calls for calm and cooperation.
Investigators are now reviewing CCTV and other evidence, and are urging anyone with relevant information — no matter how small — to contact Sussex Police. As the investigation proceeds, authorities have pledged to maintain visibility in the area and ensure that community concerns are heard, addressed, and acted upon.
What You Can Do If You Have Information
Contact Sussex Police via their non-emergency number or report anonymously through Crimestoppers
Share CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven, especially between late evening hours on 4 October
Support local interfaith and community initiatives to foster resilience and stand against hatred
This attack is not just a crime against property — it is an affront to community harmony. The coming weeks will be decisive in whether those responsible are held to account and whether trust can be restored.
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