A mosque in East Sussex was set on fire by "arsonists in balaclavas" on Saturday night in a suspected "hate crime" incident.
Emergency services were called to Peacehaven shortly before 10pm last night amid reports that individuals in balaclavas set fire to a car and the steps of the Peace Community Centre and Mosque.
Police said the arson is a suspected hate crime targeting the Muslim community.
Two people, including an elderly man in his 60s, were inside the building at the time of the attack, local media reported.
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Images from the scene show a man, who is believed to be the mosque’s imam, exiting the building to escape the flames.
Police have confirmed that no one was harmed during the incident and have increased the force's presence at the scene.
The front of the building and a car parked outside suffered damage, Sussex Police said in a statement.
Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: "This is a fast-moving investigation, and we are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to us.
A mosque in East Sussex was set on fire by 'arsonists in balaclavas' | X
Police have confirmed that no one was harmed during the incident
| GOOGLEShe added: "This includes anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell, dashcam, and mobile phone footage in the area at the time.
"We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result.
"There is already an increased police presence at the scene, and there are also additional patrols taking place to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county.
"Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, and there is no place for hate across the county.
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The Peacehaven Mosque is located a short walk from the coastline
|A member of the mosque told the Sun the fire was a "targeted attack".
They added: "There was an attack on the mosque, a few individuals came with balaclavas on and blew up a vehicle outside the mosque and set the front alight."
One of the alleged arsonists was wearing a black jacket and a covering to hide their face.
Sussex Police says it takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime
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Officials from the mosque confirmed the arson attack, writing on their Instagram story that "unfortunately, two individuals have set fire to a car right in front of the mosque".
The mosque’s statement added: "Peacehaven Mosque will be closed until further notice."
The police said: "If you have concerns for your safety or experience any hate or criminal behaviour, please speak to an officer or contact us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."
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