Police urged to seek clarity on whether hate crime fire at mosque was terrorism

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Police have been urged to seek clarity on whether a suspected arson attack on a mosque in a seaside town was terrorism.

Officers said they are treating the fire which damaged the front entrance of the mosque and a car in Peacehaven, East Sussex, as a hate crime.

But Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party, said: “The police need to urgently seek clarity on the motives of this attack and whether this hate crime constitutes an act of terrorism.

“People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith.”

Sussex Police said they were called to reports of an arson attack in Phyllis Avenue, in which no-one was injured, just before 10pm on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the mosque said: “We are deeply saddened by the shocking arson attack that took place at Peacehaven Community Centre on the evening of Saturday October 4.

“While the incident has caused damage to our building and vehicles, we are profoundly grateful that no-one was injured.

“This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values.

“We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.”

The mosque will be closed until police have completed their investigations, the spokesperson added.

Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said in a post on X: “Appalled by the disgusting arson attack on Peacehaven mosque last night.

“That there were no injuries is purely by chance. I have spoken with Sussex Police this morning, and I’m very grateful to them and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for their response.

“This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community. We will root it out and we stand in solidarity with all affected.”

Images and footage being shared online show a burnt-out car at the entrance to the mosque.

The leader of the local council, Lewes District, said she was “shocked and saddened” by the fire.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson said: “This is a deeply distressing incident that strikes at the heart of our community.

“On behalf of Lewes District Council, I want to express our unwavering support and solidarity with the Muslim community in Peacehaven and across our district. Be in no doubt, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you.”

Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: “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.”

Describing it as a “fast-moving investigation”, she appealed for anyone with information or footage captured on CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone to contact the police.

The mosque spokesperson thanked the emergency services and the local community for their support in the wake of the fire.

“We also extend heartfelt thanks to our neighbours, local faith leaders, and all those who have reached out in solidarity,” the spokesperson said.

“Your support strengthens us and reminds us that love and understanding will always overcome hate and division.”

Mr Ali added: “My thoughts are with everyone at the Masjid (mosque) and the wider Muslim community in Sussex, who will be feeling shaken and fearful today.

“Protecting Jews and Muslims in their places of worship must be a priority.

“We must redouble our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder and bring communities together.”

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “We utterly condemn what appears to have been an arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven.

“Every faith community has the right to worship free from fear. Our country is better than this.

“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.”