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UK mosque fire: In a horrific attack, a mosque in Peacehaven, close to Brighton, was torched late on Saturday night in what is being treated as a suspected hate crime. Two individuals were present in the building when the attack happened but escaped uninjured. Police have opened a full inquiry into the fire attack as fears rise over Islamophobic attacks in the UK.

The fire allegedly took place at about 9:50 pm local time. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage indicate that two balaclava-clad men tried to open the door of the mosque by force before dousing gasoline on the stairs and setting it ablaze. Emergency responders acted swiftly, limiting the damage.

Worshippers Inside Narrowly Escape

The mosque’s chairman and a fellow worshipper, both in their 60s, were inside having tea when they heard a loud bang and noticed flames spreading across the main entrance. “They could have easily died. These people came with full intent to cause maximum damage,” the mosque manager told WION. A neighbor reportedly rushed outside in tears, highlighting the fear and trauma caused to the local community.

The small mosque, which serves about 10 to 15 evening worshippers, has long been a friendly and welcoming space. The chairman and a volunteer often stay back after evening prayers, unaware of the potential danger. “Everyone is scared. We never expected an attack on this level,” said the mosque manager.

Although no one was injured, the mosque’s entrance sustained significant fire damage, and a vehicle parked outside was also affected. Sussex Police confirmed that 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.”

The attack has drawn condemnation from local politicians and the wider public. Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, James MacCleary, described the fire as “appalling” and reaffirmed the mosque’s importance to the local community. The incident follows a string of recent attacks targeting religious minorities in the UK, including a deadly car-ramming and stabbing outside a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur, which left two dead and three seriously injured. These events have heightened concerns about the safety of places of worship nationwide.

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Police Continue Investigation

Peacehaven mosque has previously faced harassment. Earlier in August, it was vandalised with eggs, and worshippers reported racial abuse targeted at the mosque. The community in the mosque is now calling for increased vigilance and security for all places of worship.

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The authorities are investigating the CCTV record, taking witnesses' statements, and soliciting the help of citizens to find the culprits. Sussex Police have called on everyone who has useful information to report it, highlighting the essence of community safety and unity.