Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a mosque in East Sussex as a hate crime. The incident occurred on Saturday night when fire crews were dispatched at 21:50 BST to Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven. No injuries were reported, but the entrance and a vehicle outside suffered damage, Sussex Police confirmed.

 

Superintendent Karrie Bohanna acknowledged the community's fear and emphasised the increased police presence at the mosque and other worship sites to provide reassurance.A volunteer from the mosque, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that two individuals tried to enter and subsequently set fire to both the entrance and a nearby car.ortunately, two people inside managed to escape unharmed.

 

A video circulating online appears to show two masked individuals approaching the entrance just before a blaze erupts, although this footage has yet to be independently verified. The recent attack has heightened concerns about safety at religious sites, particularly following an incident at a synagogue in Manchester that resulted in the deaths of two Jewish individuals. The attacker, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, was a 35-year-old British-Syrian citizen.

 

Tariq Jung, representing Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum, expressed sorrow over the incidents, highlighting that all faiths should feel safe in their places of worship. He appealed for unity and mutual support during these troubling times. Chris Ward, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, condemned the attack as "disgusting," noting that the absence of injuries was merely fortunate and underscoring that such violence has no place in the community.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• A suspected arson attack at a mosque is being treated as a hate crime.
• Increased police presence aims to reassure the community and protect other worship sites.
• Concerns about worship site safety have escalated following recent incidents.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-05

 

 

Uh dear, how terrible.

This is nonsense it's a burnt out car outside of a mosque

Either way, the killing of thousands of Christians in Africa is not called a hate crime.  Why?  Here it was just a fire.

15 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

Either way, the killing of thousands of Christians in Africa is not called a hate crime.  Why?  Here it was just a fire.

Absolutely, but it is the BBC reporting, they only report the news they want to!!

2 hours ago, thaipo7 said:

Either way, the killing of thousands of Christians in Africa is not called a hate crime.  Why?  Here it was just a fire.

Of course it's called a hate crime. Would you like the Met police to investigate?

Relatively minor damage. Sounds like a hoax.

That's not a 'Hate Crime' .... it's a ''Slightly Miffed Crime'.  Recent events with cars and knives have shown how to do real hate crime.