Journalism of Courage
A UK mosque was set on fire with two people inside the premises in East Sussex in a suspected arson attack which police are investigating as a hate crime. Though no one was injured in the incident, the front entrance of the building and a vehicle parked outside were damaged, Sussex police said, BBC reported.
Fire crews were called around 9:50pm (local time) on Saturday at Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven. Detective Inspector Gavin Patch said, “This was an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe.”
A CNN report, quoting a voluntary mosque manager stated, two people in masks forced the mosque’s door open and poured gasoline on the steps before setting it ablaze. Emergency crews were called to the mosque in Peacehaven near Brighton.
The two people who were inside when the fire incident took place were having tea, namely the mosque’s chairman and a fellow worshipper, both in their 60s. According to the mosque’s manager, the duo heard a loud bang outside and escaped the building as flames took upon the front entrance of the mosque, CNN reported.
Police released photos of the suspect behind the arson incident, which is being probed by the Sussex police as a hate crime. The photo shows one of the person wearing a black jacket with the Pre London logo in white on the chest, while the second person is wearing bright red gloves.
“We are treating this as an arson with intent to endanger life and are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible,” Inspector Patch said.
Since the incident took place, there has been an increased police and law enforcement officials presence in the region while additional patrols are taking place at other places of worship across the United Kingdom.
Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes district, James MacCleary condemned the incident and said, “Appalling to hear about this fire at the mosque in Peacehaven. It is used by my constituents and is an important part of the local community. Police are treating it as a hate crime. I condemn this in the strongest terms.”
