Second Arrest After Arson Attack At Peacehaven Mosque

Detectives have made a second arrest following an arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven earlier this month.

Emergency services were called to Phyllis Avenue around 9.50pm on Saturday, 4 October, after two masked individuals were seen spraying accelerant on the mosque’s entrance and setting it alight.

The blaze caused significant damage to the building and a nearby vehicle, but no one inside was injured. Fire crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service quickly brought the fire under control.

A 46-year-old man from Littlehampton was arrested on Monday (6 October) on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has since been released on conditional bail.

Police have now arrested a 25-year-old man, of no fixed address, on the same charge. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said:

“We believe there are people in the community who know who is responsible for this appalling and reckless attack.

"Please come forward and contact us or call 101, quoting Operation Spey.”

Superintendent Rachel Swinney added:

“We continue to work closely with local religious communities to support them and ensure their concerns are heard.

"Sussex Police has a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime — there is no place for hate across our county.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Spey. Always dial 999 in an emergency.