LONDON – Police in southern England have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack at a mosque in the coastal town of Peacehaven, treating the incident as a “hate crime.” The act comes just days after a fatal attack on a synagogue in the north of the country, raising acute fears of retaliatory violence within faith communities.
Officers were called to the mosque on Phyllis Avenue late Saturday evening, around 9:50 pm UK time, following reports of a fire. While no one was injured, the blaze caused damage to the mosque’s front entrance and a vehicle parked outside.
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna of Sussex Police described the situation as a “fast-moving investigation” and urged the public to provide any relevant footage, including from CCTV, dashcams, or mobile phones.
“We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result,” Bohanna stated, addressing the rising anxiety. She confirmed that there is an increased police presence at the scene, along with additional patrols being conducted to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county. Bohanna emphasized the force’s “zero-tolerance approach to hate crime,” asserting that there is “no place for hate” in Sussex.
A volunteer at the mosque, speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity, provided a chilling account. He stated that “two people tried to enter through the front door, only to find it locked.” He added that they “then poured a liquid at the entrance and near a car parked outside, which was set alight. It could have been murder.” The report noted that two people inside the mosque managed to escape safely.
The incident drew immediate reaction from political figures. Humza Yousaf, Member of the Scottish Parliament and former First Minister, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express alarm, linking the attack to political and media rhetoric.
“We warned you. Many politicians & media outlets have put a target on every Muslim’s back by blaming all of us, and Islam, for the horrific Synagogue attack,” Yousaf wrote. “Thursday’s attack was the actions of one deranged extremist. This is what happens when you blame an entire community.”
The attempted arson follows the devastating attack last Thursday on a synagogue in northern Manchester, which resulted in two deaths and three serious injuries. In the aftermath of that attack, Greater Manchester Police chief constable Steve Watson confirmed that the attacker, who was shot dead by officers, was not carrying a firearm, though one of the deceased sustained a gunshot wound. Police later admitted they had accidentally shot a victim and one survivor while attempting to neutralize the assailant, who appeared to be wearing an explosive belt.
