Peacehaven, UK:
Authorities in East Sussex are investigating a suspected hate crime after a mosque in Peacehaven was deliberately set on fire on the night of October 4, 2025. Two people present inside at the time managed to escape without any injuries, avoiding what could have been a potentially deadly situation.
Details of the Attack
Local police reported that two masked suspects approached the mosque and attempted to force their way inside. They then poured a flammable liquid at the entrance and set it alight. The blaze caused serious damage to the mosque’s front section and ignited a vehicle parked nearby. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the assailants arriving in a car, with one carrying a container used to pour the accelerant, which later caused the vehicle itself to catch fire.
Police Action
Sussex Police have classified the incident as a potential hate crime and launched a thorough investigation. Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said the department is committed to addressing hate crimes firmly and has appealed to the public for any information or videos that could help identify the suspects. Increased police patrols have been deployed around religious institutions in the area to reassure the community.
Community Response
Mosque volunteers described the incident as extremely dangerous, with one stating that it could have resulted in fatalities. The event has caused alarm among local residents, raising concerns about rising tensions in a town that is normally considered quiet and peaceful.
Wider Context
The attack comes shortly after a deadly incident at a synagogue in Manchester on October 2, 2025, where two people were killed and three injured. These back-to-back events have increased fears about rising hate crimes targeting religious places in the UK.
Conclusion
Authorities are urging anyone with information to cooperate with the police to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security around religious sites in East Sussex has been intensified to prevent further incidents, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.