(Pictures: Eddie Mitchell)
A man has been arrested after a mosque was set on fire with an Imam inside.
CCTV appears to show flames spread quickly, taking hold of the entrance as the Imam of Peacehaven Mosque, in his 60s, was having tea inside with a guest on Saturday.
Police said a 46-year-old man was arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
He is currently in custody.
DCI Mark Cullimore said: ‘The investigation is progressing at pace, and we are pursuing all lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for this appalling and reckless attack.
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‘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.’
Superintendent 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.’
The pair allegedly then threw something at the car making it catch light just before 10pm, sparking a fire which damaged the front entrance of the building on Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven.
A mosque volunteer said worshippers had only just left after evening prayers, and there were still two people inside at the time.
‘They came in balaclavas and sprayed gasoline on the entrance and the few steps,’ the volunteer said.
‘They threw something at it and the vehicle blew up. The fire reached the entrance to the mosque.
‘People around phoned the fire brigade straight away.
‘Two people inside the mosque got out as soon as they could.
‘The chairman, who is an elderly man in his 60s, ran out it just before the car was blown to pieces.’
The mosque volunteer said two men escaped with their lives as a massive fireball engulfed the entrance.
‘It’s clearly a targeted attack,’ the volunteer said.
Peacehaven Mosque shared a statement on Instagram saying the mosque would be closed until police finish their investigations.
They said: ‘This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values.
‘We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.
‘We also extend heartfelt thanks to our neighbours, local faith leaders, and all those who have reached out in solidarity. Your support strengthens us and reminds us that love and understanding will always overcome hate and division.’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said it ‘was clear things could easily be far worse’ after the fire.
She said: ‘I thank the emergency services for their swift response at the scene. And I ask anyone with any information to come forward to the police. At a time like this, we must stand united.
‘This country’s greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities.
‘Attacks against Britain’s Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.’
Labour MP for Peacehaven, Chris Ward, said he was ‘disgusted’ by the attack: ‘That there were no injuries is purely by chance.’
He posted on X: ‘This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community. We will root it out and we stand in solidarity with all affected.’