Sussex police probe hate crime after mosque fire and car in Peacehaven

Sussex Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a fire damaged the front entrance of a mosque and a vehicle parked outside in Peacehaven, East Sussex, shortly before 10pm on Saturday. Emergency crews were called to Phyllis Avenue at about 9.50pm, and no injuries were reported, officials said. The mosque has been closed until further notice.

Police said the blaze caused damage to the building's entrance and to a car outside. Images and doorbell footage circulating online appear to show a burntout vehicle at the mosque entrance and people nearby. A volunteer at the mosque told reporters that two men remained inside after evening prayers and escaped as the fire took hold. The volunteer said two men wearing balaclavas doused the entrance and a parked car with a flammable liquid before the vehicle caught fire; police have not confirmed all aspects of that account and forensic inquiries are under way.

Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna, who is leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses and footage to assist detectives. She described the probe as fast moving and urged anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area at the time to...