Peacehaven mosque targeted in suspected arson attack
– 2 min read
A mosque in Peacehaven was the target of a suspected arson attack late Saturday (4 October) night.
Emergency services were called to the Peacehaven Mosque on Phyllis Avenue at approximately 9.50pm, shortly after evening prayers had concluded. According to eyewitnesses and doorbell footage, two masked individuals in balaclavas doused the mosque’s entrance and a parked vehicle with a flammable liquid before igniting the blaze. The resulting fireball engulfed the front of the building and destroyed the car, which belonged to the mosque’s chairman.
Two people were inside the mosque at the time, including the chairman, both of whom managed to escape unharmed. A volunteer described the attack as “clearly targeted,” adding, “They came in balaclavas and sprayed gasoline on the entrance and the few steps. They threw something at it and the vehicle blew up. The fire reached the entrance to the mosque”.
Seeing the real intention behind all "Raise the colours" flags on the A259 unfurl as Peacehaven mosque is firebombed.
— Narinder Kaur (@narindertweets) October 5, 2025
Burning a mosque is terrorism, full stop. If leaders can swiftly condemn a synagogue attack, they must do the same here.https://t.co/HvW8VJ3Tg5 pic.twitter.com/naQxdwMwzd
Sussex Police confirmed that no injuries were reported but stated the incident is being investigated as a hate crime. Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said, “We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result. Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county”.
Local leaders have expressed their outrage. Chris Ward, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, called the attack “disgusting” and said: “That there were no injuries is purely by chance. This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community”.
Lewes District Council leader Zoe Nicholson added: “This is a deeply distressing incident that strikes at the heart of our community. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Muslim community in Peacehaven and across our district”.
Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats added: "[We] utterly condemn the attack on the mosque in Peacehaven last night. As a community we need to stand together, and respect different religious views and live together peacefully. Hate has no place in our community.Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats."
The mosque, which serves a small but active Muslim population and also functions as a community centre, has faced previous incidents of harassment, including egging and verbal abuse. However, mosque representatives said they “never expected an attack on this level”.
Peacehaven Mosque has announced its temporary closure while investigations continue. Police have increased patrols around places of worship across East Sussex to reassure communities and are appealing for anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile footage to come forward.
