A MOSQUE in East Sussex was targeted in a suspected arson attack at the weekend, which police are investigating as a hate crime.

Fire crews were called to the mosque on Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven at 10pm on Saturday evening.

Sussex Police said that no-one was injured but the front entrance to the mosque was damaged as well as a car parked outside.

Doorbell footage released today shows a man in a balaclava at the steps of the building, while a second person stands at the bottom moments before the blaze.

After the fire erupts, another person runs to safety from inside the building. A volunteer told the BBC that two people were in the mosque at the time.

Stand up to Racism co-convener Sabby Dhalu said: “We are appalled by the Islamophobic arson attack on Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex. Our thoughts are with Muslim communities and all those affected.

“After the anti-semitic attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester just two days before, we must stand together against Islamophobia, anti-semitism and all forms of racism.

“The arson attack on Peacehaven Mosque did not emerge out of a vacuum. Our Brighton and Hove Stand Up to Racism group reported that for several weeks, racist and fascist groups have been active on the South Sussex coast, whipping up an atmosphere of hatred against African, Caribbean and Asian communities with flags, stickers and racist graffiti.”

Tell Mama, a charity which monitors anti-Muslim hate, said in a statement: “This attack is not only an assault on a place of worship but a direct assault on our society’s core values of mutual respect and peace.

“We will not allow hatred and extremism to divide us.

“As we support the affected communities, we also reaffirm our commitment to protecting religious freedom and ensuring that all people can worship without fear.”

Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna confirmed an increased police presence at the scene and extra patrols to provide reassurance at other places of worship in the county. She asked for anyone with information or footage captured on CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone to contact the police.

Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven’s Labour MP Chris Ward said 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.”

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, the leader of the local council, said she was shocked and saddened by the fire.  

“This is a deeply distressing incident that strikes at the heart of our community. On behalf of Lewes District Council I want to express our unwavering support and solidarity with the Muslim community in Peacehaven and across our district.

“Be in no doubt, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you.”