On the evening of Saturday, October 4, 2025, a quiet neighborhood in Peacehaven, East Sussex was shaken by a suspected arson attack at a local mosque on Phyllis Avenue. The fire, which broke out just before 10pm, caused significant damage to the front entrance of the mosque and a nearby car, but miraculously, no injuries were reported. The incident has since sparked a swift police investigation, community outrage, and national condemnation, highlighting ongoing concerns about hate crimes in the UK.
According to BBC News, emergency services responded quickly to the scene, where flames had engulfed parts of the mosque’s entrance and left a car scorched outside. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze before it could spread further, but the aftermath was clear: blackened steps, melted railings, and a sense of disbelief within the local community. Images released by Sussex Police showed two individuals wearing balaclavas, spraying what appeared to be an accelerant on the mosque’s entrance before setting it alight—a detail confirmed by both The Independent and Press Association.
In the days following the attack, Sussex Police intensified their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. On Monday afternoon, October 6, officers arrested a 46-year-old man from Littlehampton on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He was later released on conditional bail as inquiries continued. The following evening, a second suspect—a 25-year-old man of no fixed address—was detained and remains in police custody. Both arrests were confirmed by multiple outlets, including BBC News, The Independent, and Sky News.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, made a direct appeal to the public: "We believe there are people in the community who know who is responsible for this appalling and reckless attack and we are urging anyone with information which could be vital to our investigation, to come forward. Please contact us or ring 101, quoting Operation Spey." The call for witnesses and information has been echoed across all local and national reports, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney emphasized the broader context of the investigation, stating, "We continue to work with our local religious communities to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon. Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county." She further encouraged anyone feeling unsafe or experiencing hate or criminal behavior to reach out to the police, whether online, by calling 101, or—if it’s an emergency—dialing 999. These reassurances were reiterated in all official statements and widely reported by the media.
Police have confirmed that the fire is being treated as a hate crime, a classification that brings additional gravity and resources to the investigation. According to Sky News, the Prime Minister’s office responded swiftly, with a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer stating, "(Sir Keir Starmer) was appalled by the arson attack in Peacehaven. As the Home Secretary said, attacks against Britain's Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself. He thanks the emergency services for their swift response. Anti-Muslim hatred has no place in Britain." The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, also called on the public to "stand united," further reinforcing the government’s stance against hate-driven violence.
For the Peacehaven mosque community, the incident was both a shock and a reminder of the resilience required in the face of adversity. A mosque spokesperson conveyed the congregation’s feelings in a statement widely quoted by the press: "We are deeply saddened by the shocking arson attack that took place at Peacehaven Community Centre on the evening of Saturday October 4. While the incident has caused damage to our building and vehicles, we are profoundly grateful that no-one was injured. This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values. We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion."
The attack has prompted a wider discussion about the safety of religious sites and the prevalence of hate crimes across the UK. Sussex Police have reiterated their commitment to working with all local religious communities, ensuring that their concerns are not only heard but acted upon. The force’s zero-tolerance approach to hate crime was emphasized repeatedly in statements from both senior officers and the wider political establishment, reflecting a shared determination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Images and footage released by Sussex Police have played a crucial role in the investigation. The visuals, which show two masked individuals approaching the mosque entrance, spraying accelerant, and igniting the fire, have been circulated widely in the hope that members of the public might recognize the suspects or provide information leading to further arrests. The police have asked anyone with knowledge of the attack to contact them and specifically reference Operation Spey, the codename for the ongoing investigation.
While the investigation continues, the first suspect, the 46-year-old man from Littlehampton, remains on conditional bail. The second suspect, the 25-year-old man with no fixed address, is still in police custody. Both face the serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life—a reminder of the potential consequences had the fire spread further or if anyone had been present in the immediate area.
The response from the wider community has largely been one of solidarity and support. Local residents have expressed their dismay at the attack, with many echoing the mosque’s call for unity and compassion. Community leaders and local officials have visited the site, offering reassurance and practical support as the mosque begins the process of repairing both the physical damage and the emotional impact of the incident.
Nationally, the attack has reignited conversations about the need for vigilance against hate crimes, particularly those targeting religious and minority communities. The government’s strong condemnation, alongside clear messaging from law enforcement, signals an intent to address both the immediate investigation and the underlying causes of such acts. As the police continue their inquiries, the hope is that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and that the Peacehaven community can begin to heal.
For now, the mosque remains a symbol of both vulnerability and resilience—a reminder that, even in the face of hate, communities can choose unity, compassion, and strength.
