Three more people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the torching of a mosque in Peacehaven last year.
Two men have already been charged with arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the attack on Peacehaven mosque.
Ricky Ryder, 38, and Jack Slowey, 34, are due to enter pleas to those charges and two further charges of arson relating to nearby cars which were damaged at Kingston Crown Court on Friday.
Today, counter terror police announced three more arrests, including a 38-year-old man from Brighton who has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and criminal damage.
A 36-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and a 42-year-old man from Saltdean was arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and encouraging or assisting a crime, contrary to section 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.
All were released on bail until 23 June.
The fire was ignited outside the mosque in Phyllis Avenue on 4 October last year. Two people inside the mosque escaped uninjured.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East has been investigating the incident and made the arrests yesterday and has been supported by officers from Sussex Police’s Major Crime Unit.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney, from Sussex Police, said: “We are continuing to work closely with our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing South East as they use specialist resources to investigate the arson at the mosque in Peacehaven.
“The incident caused understandable concern within the local community since it took place in October.
“These recent arrests form part of a pre-planned operation and there is no threat to those in the community however people may notice search activity taking place at residential properties while enquiries continue.”
I’m glad to read this investigation is progressing well. Racist violence has no place in a civilised society.
It’s good to see progress in the investigation and that arrests are being made. That said, I think it’s important we don’t jump to conclusions about motive before all the evidence is presented in court. Allegations of racism are serious, but they need to be proven rather than assumed. Hopefully the full facts will come out so justice can be done properly.
What could possibly be racist about an arson attack such as this?
They set fire to a mosque. If you don’t understand why that is racists then you don’t understand racism.
I wonder if the arrested people will be of the same ethnic and religious background as the two previously charged.