An investigation is underway into a suspected arson attack on a mosque in a seaside town, as police have been urged to seek clarity on whether the incident was terrorism.
Sussex Police has said it is treating the fire at the mosque Peacehaven, East Sussex, as a hate crime. The force has released CCTV images of suspects, calling for anyone with information or footage captured on CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone to contact them to help with the “fast-moving investigation”.
Chris Ward, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said he was "appalled by the disgusting arson attack", while home secretary Shabana Mahmood said the news was “deeply concerning”.
She said: “At a time like this, we must stand united. This country’s greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities. Attacks against Britain’s Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.”
Here is what we know about the attack on the Peacehaven mosque.
What we know
Sussex Police said they were called to reports of an arson attack at the mosque in Phyllis Avenue just before 10pm on Saturday (4 October).
CCTV images released by the force show two balaclava-clad people approaching the front door of the mosque, before spraying accelerant on the entrance and igniting a fire.
Nobody was injured in the attack, but the front entrance and a car were left damaged, and images and footage shared online show a burnt-out car at the entrance to the mosque.
Officers are hunting for the suspects as they investigate arson with intent to endanger life, and have said they are treating the fire as a hate crime.
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https://uk.yahoo.com/news/peacehaven...192846885.html