Two men charged with arson after an attack at a mosque in Peacehaven earlier this month have appeared in court.
Two people were inside the mosque when the fire was started on Saturday 4 October. It damaged the front entrance of the mosque and two cars.
Sussex Police published images of two people wearing balaclavas and spraying a liquid at the entrance to the mosque, in Phyllis Avenue, and setting it alight.
Ricky Ryder, 38, of Richington Way, Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, of Mayfield Avenue, Peacehaven, have both been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
Both men appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 24 October) wearing grey tracksuits and spoke to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.
David Burns, prosecuting, said: “Both of the gentlemen who were inside the mosque were able to smell smoke and get out in time.”
Ryder and Slowey were remanded in custody until their next hearing at the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey, in London, on Friday 14 November.
Sussex Police said that a 42-year-old man, from Peacehaven, who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, has been released on conditional bail.
Almost £50,000 has been raised on GoFundMe from the community for the mosque to help rebuild and repair the damage.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced an extra £10 million in security funding to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes and attacks after a visit with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to the Peacehaven mosque.
The investment for mosques and Muslim faith centres will provide security measures including CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security staff, the government said.
Sir Keir said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country. Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values.
“This funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve, allowing them to live in peace and safety.
“I want a Britain built for all and my government is committed to delivering safer streets for everyone – and that means protecting places of worship from those who seek to divide us through hate and violence.”
