Police have apprehended a man suspected of setting fire to a mosque with the intent to endanger lives. The suspect, a 46-year-old individual, was taken into custody by Sussex Police on Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred at the Peacehaven mosque around 9:50 pm on Saturday, prompting a response from fire crews. The arrest of the 46-year-old man was made in connection with the arson case, and he is currently being held in custody.
Surveillance footage captured two individuals, masked and dressed in dark clothing, approaching the mosque’s entrance and setting it ablaze using an accelerant. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, extinguishing the fire promptly. Although there were no injuries reported among those present, the mosque building and a nearby vehicle suffered significant damage.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team stated that the investigation is progressing rapidly to identify the perpetrators of this reprehensible act. The public is urged to provide any relevant information by contacting the authorities at 999, quoting Operation Spey.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney from Sussex Police acknowledged the distress caused by the incident in the community. To address concerns and provide reassurance, an increased police presence has been deployed at the scene and at various places of worship across Sussex. Continuous engagement with religious communities is emphasized to offer support and address their needs effectively.