Arson at Peacehaven Community Mosque Investigated as Hate Crime

Sussex Police are treating a late-night arson at the Peace Community Centre and Mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, as a hate crime after the front entrance and a parked car were set alight just before 10pm; emergency services extinguished the blaze and no one was injured. Doorbell and CCTV footage circulating online appears to show two people in balaclavas pouring a flammable liquid, reported as gasoline, onto the mosque steps and the vehicle, which then ignited, while two older worshippers inside escaped unharmed. Mosque volunteers and managers said the small building, which also serves as a community centre, has closed until further notice and described the attack as targeted and potentially lethal. Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna called the probe a “fast-moving investigation,” said police had increased patrols at places of worship and appealed for any CCTV, dashcam, Ring doorbell or mobile-phone footage. Local politicians and council leaders condemned the “disgusting” attack and pledged solidarity with the Muslim community, and the incident has heightened fears after this week’s deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue.