Arsonists damaged a mosque and destroyed a vehicle parked outside the building in Peacehaven last night (Saturday 4 October).
Two people were reported to have been inside the building but managed to escape without injury.
Footage of the arson attack is reported to be circulating on social media – and two people masked in balaclavas are believed to have started the fire, in Phyllis Avenue, shortly before 10pm last night.
🚨 Terror attack on a Mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex last night.
Two white men in balaclavas poured liquid at the entrance and near a parked car and set it alight.
It is one of several Islamophobic attacks on mosques in the past few months.#arsonattack #uk #islamophobia pic.twitter.com/gltJdQ65p4
— Ali (@AliJaved29) October 5, 2025
Seeing the real intention behind all “Raise the colours” flags on the A259 unfurl as Peacehaven mosque is firebombed.
Burning a mosque is terrorism, full stop. If leaders can swiftly condemn a synagogue attack, they must do the same here.https://t.co/HvW8VJ3Tg5 pic.twitter.com/naQxdwMwzd— Narinder Kaur (@narindertweets) October 5, 2025
Sussex Police said: “Police are investigating a report of arson after a fire at a mosque in Peacehaven.
“Emergency services were called to the fire at the building in Phyllis Avenue at about 9.50pm on Saturday 4 October.
“It caused damage to the front entrance of the building and to a vehicle parked outside.
“Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident, which is being treated as a hate crime.”
Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: “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.
#Brighton mosque in #Peacehaven set on fire, can’t see this on news channels yet. pic.twitter.com/9v8emqequB
— Abbasi (@MohammedAbbasi) October 5, 2025
“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.
“If you have concerns for your safety or experience any hate or criminal behaviour, please speak to an officer or contact us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”
Sussex Police added: “Anyone with information about the arson can report it to Sussex Police online or on 101, quoting Operation Spey.
“Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111.”
The BBC reported that a volunteer at the mosque had said that two people tried to enter through the front door but found it locked.
They poured a liquid at the entrance and near a car parked outside and set it alight.
The man told the BBC: “It could have been murder.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “At around 9.45pm on Saturday 4 October, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire at the mosque, Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven.
“Sussex Police were informed and attended the incident. On arrival, crews discovered that a car was well alight, with the fire affecting the mosque building.
“Firefighters from Preston Circus and Roedean wore breathing apparatus and used firefighting foam to extinguish the fire.
“Evidence from the scene suggests the fire was started deliberately. There are no reports of any injuries or members of the public affected.
“A joint investigation will continue today with Sussex Police assisted by the fire and rescue service.”
Brighton and Hove Faith in Action said: “Brighton and Hove Faith in Action (BHFA) stands in sorrow and solidarity with our Muslim neighbours and all those affected by the shocking arson attack at the Peacehaven mosque last night.
“We give thanks that no lives were lost but we recognise the deep fear and distress caused by this hateful act – an attack not only on a place of worship but on the values of peace, respect and mutual care that hold our communities together.
“In recent days, our city and our nation have witnessed violence directed at both a synagogue and now a mosque.
“These are devastating reminders of the harm caused when hatred takes root. Whether anti-semitism, anti-Muslim hate or any other form of prejudice, such acts strike at the heart of who we are and what we stand for.
“We commend the swift response of the emergency services and the work of Sussex Police to investigate this crime and protect all places of worship.”
Brighton and Hove Stand Up to Racism said that there would be a unity rally today at Cliffe Bridge, in Lewes, at 3pm this afternoon (Sunday 5 October).
Do these vile criminals really think that any decent person wants this? I hope they’re caught before they murder someone.
I’m sure you made the same comment when two jew were murdered. Get a job rachel, we are not your piggy bank.
Taxi was the target, not the mosque! Hardly any damage to the building!
Taxi wars!