Police in the UK are investigating a suspected arson attack at a mosque in the coastal town of Peacehaven as a “hate crime.” The incident occurred late on Saturday.l, October 4.
Two people were inside the building at the time, but they escaped unharmed. The blaze damaged the mosque’s front entrance and a vehicle parked outside.
In the wake of the attack, Sussex Police released images of two masked men in dark clothing and appealed to the public for help identifying them. Detective Inspector Gavin Patch called the fire an “appalling and reckless attack” and confirmed police are treating it as “arson with intent to endanger life.”
The attack comes days after a fatal attack at a synagogue in Manchester.
A spokesperson for the Peacehaven mosque expressed profound gratitude that no one was injured and urged “everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion,” adding that the hateful act “does not represent our community or our town.”
Interior minister Shabana Mahmood called the attack “deeply concerning,” stating that “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, stating, “Every faith community has the right to worship free from fear. Our country is better than this.”