Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire at mosque in East Sussex

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at a mosque in East Sussex.

A 46-year-old was in custody after an arrest was made on Monday afternoon, police said.

Fire crews had been called to the mosque on Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven at about 9.50pm on Saturday. No one was injured in the incident, but police said “significant damage” was caused to the front of the building and a nearby vehicle.

On Sunday, Sussex police said they were investigating the incident as a hate crime. CCTV images of two suspects were also published by the force.

A Sussex police spokesperson said: “Footage showed two people wearing masks and dark clothing approaching the front door before spraying accelerant on the entrance of the mosque and igniting a fire. Emergency crews from Sussex police and East Sussex fire and rescue service promptly attended the scene and were able to extinguish the fire.”

DCI Mark Cullimore, from the force’s Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said on Monday evening that the investigation was “progressing at pace”.

“We are pursuing all lines of inquiry to identify those responsible for this appalling and reckless attack,” he said. “We are continuing to appeal for information from the public in relation to the incident. If you have any knowledge, no matter how small you think it might be, we urge you to contact us immediately by calling 999, quoting Operation Spey.”

Supt Rachel Swinney said: “We acknowledge the serious distress and concern this has caused in our communities. There is an increased police presence at the scene and additional patrols taking place at places of worship across Sussex to provide visibility and reassurance.

“We will continue to engage with our religious communities to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.”

Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said the incident was “appalling”, adding that an attack on Muslims was an attack on all Britons.