Dramatic footage of 'arson attack' at Mosque as police investigate hate crime

Sussex Police have launched an investigation following a suspected arson attack at a Mosque late last night.

At around 9.50pm on Saturday, October 4 emergency services were called to the building in Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven following reports of a fire, which police have now said they are treating as ahate crime.

Sussex Police later confirmed there have been no reported injuries and a spokesperson for the Mosque took to Instagram to share a short statement. It read: "Unfortunately two individuals have set fire to a car right infront of the Mosque. The police/fire brigade are at the scene currently. Peacehaven Mosque will be closed until further notice."

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A statement from Sussex Police shared online in the early hours of this morning reads: "Police are investigating a report of arson after a fire at a Mosque in Peacehaven.

"Emergency services were called to the fire at the building in Phyllis Avenue at about 9.50pm on Saturday, 4 October. It caused damage to the front entrance of the building and to a vehicle parked outside. Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident, which is being treated as a hate crime."

Sussex Police 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, and 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 as a result.

"There is already an increased police presence at the scene and there are also additional patrols taking place to provide reassurance 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 or contact us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

A member of the Mosque told The Sun Online:“There was an attack on the mosque, a few individuals came with balaclavas on and blew up a vehicle outside the mosque and set the front a light.”

It is not known how many people were in the building at the time of the fire.

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

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted by The Mirror for further comment.