A man has been arrested after an East Sussex mosque was was targeted in a suspected arson attack.
Emergency services were called to the Peacehaven Mosque in Phyllis Avenue around 9.50pm on Saturday, October 4.
Footage showed two people wearing masks and dark clothing approaching the front door before spraying accelerant on the entrance of the mosque and igniting a fire.
Emergency crews from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service promptly attended the scene and were able to extinguish the fire.
A 46-year-old man was arrested earlier this afternoon on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The man, who has not yet been named, remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: "The investigation is progressing at pace, and we are pursuing all lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for this appalling and reckless attack.
"We are continuing to appeal for information from the public in relation to the incident. If you have any knowledge, no matter how small you think it might be, we urge you to contact us immediately by calling 999, quoting Operation Spey."
Peacehaven Mosque was targeted in the suspected arson attack
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Fortunately, those inside at the time were not injured, but significant damage was caused to the mosque and a nearby vehicle.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney said: "We acknowledge the serious distress and concern this has caused in our communities.
"There is an increased police presence at the scene and additional patrols taking place at places of worship across Sussex to provide visibility and reassurance.
"We will continue to engage with our religious communities to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon."
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Damage outside the front entrance of the mosque in Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven
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The incident drew sharp criticism from politicians and religious leaders, as it took place just days after Jihad Al-Shamie launched his terror attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Greater Manchester.
Co-chairman of the British Muslim Network Imam Qari Asim said this is a moment for the nation to show it is "united, decent, and compassionate" insisting that efforts to divide people must be rejected.
He said: "The horrific attack on Manchester’s synagogue and the arson attack on a mosque in Sussex sought to divide us, but it will only bring us closer together.
"As Muslims, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the British Jewish community, bound by our shared humanity and our shared rejection of hate.
"Together, we can show that integrity, mutual respect and faith in one another will always prevail."
Deputy Green Party Leader Mothin Ali emphasised the need to 'bring communities together'
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Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven Chris Ward said he was "appalled" by the "disgusting arson attack" while a spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said: "Attacks against Britain’s Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.
"He thanks the emergency services for their swift response. Anti-Muslim hatred has no place in Britain."
Deputy Leader of the Green Party Mothin Ali had pressed officers to "seek clarity on the motives of this attack”.
Mr Ali said: "People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith."
He added: "My thoughts are with everyone at the masjid (mosque) and the wider Muslim community in Sussex, who will be feeling shaken and fearful today.
"Protecting Jews and Muslims in their places of worship must be a priority.
"We must redouble our commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder and bring communities together."
Damage outside the front entrance of the mosque in Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven
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More than £3,000 has been raised on Gofundme from the community for the mosque to help rebuild and mend the damage done by the attack.
One of the mosque’s managers said the response from locals has been "heartwarming" and blamed the attack on an "anti-Islamic" ideology.
The manager, who asked not to be named, said: "He’s just ruined his own life, why would someone do such a stupid thing? It doesn’t make sense, but people do stupid things because of an ideology that’s been created in their minds."
He added that the attacker showed "no care for life" and could have potentially killed people, if the fire had spread closer to the electrics in the mosque, or gas canisters in the garage next door.
The manager pointed to politics, media outlets and social media causing "anti-Islamic sentiment" to be "riled up" across the country, adding the mosque was a safe haven from that ideology.