Police treating suspected arson attack at East Sussex mosque as a hate crime

Police have launched an investigation after a suspected arson attack at a mosque in East Sussex.

Emergency services were called to the fire in Peacehaven around 9.50pm on Saturday, Sussex Police said.

Footage showed a large fire in front of the mosque, which was later put out by the fire service.

Photos from the scene showed a burnt-out car in front of the door to the mosque.

Police said no one was harmed.

The force said it was treating the incident as a hate crime.

A spokesperson described it as a “fast-moving investigation” and said there was an increased police presence at the scene as well as additional patrols to provide reassurance.

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Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: “This is a fast-moving investigation, and we are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to us.

“This includes anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell, dashcam, and mobile phone footage in the area at the time.

“We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result.

“There is already an increased police presence at the scene and there are also additional patrols taking place to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county.

“Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county.”