Two attackers in balaclavas set fire to a mosque in Peacehaven near Brighton on Saturday night while two worshippers remained inside the building. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime after the suspects poured gasoline on the entrance steps and ignited the flames. The mosque chairman and a fellow worshipper fled as fire spread across the main entrance.
The attack damaged the mosque's front and a vehicle parked outside, but caused no physical injuries. Door camera footage captured the masked individuals attempting to force entry before dousing the area with gasoline. The small mosque opened four years ago and serves 10 to 15 regular worshippers.
Local authorities increased police patrols at worship sites across the county following the arson. The incident occurred days after two Jewish worshippers died in an attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that hatred continues to rise across Britain.
The attack damaged the mosque's front and a vehicle parked outside, but caused no physical injuries. Door camera footage captured the masked individuals attempting to force entry before dousing the area with gasoline. The small mosque opened four years ago and serves 10 to 15 regular worshippers.
Local authorities increased police patrols at worship sites across the county following the arson. The incident occurred days after two Jewish worshippers died in an attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that hatred continues to rise across Britain.
