Detectives have made a second arrest following a shocking arson attack at a mosque in Peacehaven.

Masked Attackers Set Mosque Door on Fire

At around 9:50pm on Saturday, 4 October, emergency services rushed to a mosque on Phyllis Avenue after reports of a fire. CCTV footage shows two masked individuals dressed in dark clothes dousing the mosque’s front entrance with an accelerant before setting it ablaze.

Thanks to the swift response from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue, the fire was quickly extinguished, preventing it from spreading further. Luckily, no one inside the mosque was harmed.

Significant Damage and Second Arrest

The fire caused serious damage to the mosque building and a nearby vehicle. On Monday (6 October), police arrested a 46-year-old man from Littlehampton on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been released on conditional bail.

On Tuesday evening (7 October), a second man, 25, with no fixed address, was taken into custody on the same charges. He remains in police custody.

Police Urge Public to Come Forward

“We believe there are people in the community who know who is responsible for this appalling and reckless attack,” said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore. “We urge anyone with information to come forward quoting Operation Spey.”

Sussex Police Superintendent Rachel Swinney added: “We take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime. There is no place for hate in our county. If you experience or see any hate incidents, please report them.”

Police are also asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the area to get in touch with them immediately.