Peacehaven, East Sussex – Police have launched a hate crime investigation after men wearing balaclavas allegedly doused the entrance of a mosque with flammable liquid and set it alight on Saturday night.
The attack took place just before 10pm at the Peacehaven Mosque on Phyllis Avenue, moments after worshippers had finished evening prayers. According to witnesses, the suspects poured fuel over the mosque’s steps and a nearby parked car before throwing an object that set both ablaze.
Doorbell footage circulating online appears to show two men carrying out the act before fleeing the scene. A massive fireball erupted, engulfing the vehicle and spreading to the mosque’s entrance.
A mosque volunteer said two people were still inside the building when the fire broke out. “They came in balaclavas and sprayed gasoline on the entrance and the few steps. They threw something at it and the vehicle blew up. The fire reached the entrance to the mosque,” he said. “The chairman, who is in his 60s, ran out just before the car exploded.”
Emergency services were called at 9.50pm, and firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. Sussex Police confirmed that no one was injured, though the mosque’s front entrance and a vehicle sustained significant damage.
Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said the incident is being treated as a hate crime. “We understand the impact this will have on the Muslim community. There is an increased police presence at the scene and additional patrols at other places of worship,” she said.
Peacehaven Mosque announced on social media that it would remain closed until further notice. Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile footage to come forward as investigations continue.
