On the 4th of September, a mosque in Peacehaven – a coastal town just outside of Brighton – was set on fire in a deliberate arson attack. The police are treating it as a hate crime. Although there were no casualties, the attack damaged the entrance to the front of the building and burned a vehicle parked outside. Two people were inside the building during the attack but managed to escape physically unharmed.
Peacehaven Mosque, located on Phyllis Avenue, was once used as a pub and was renovated by the Peace Community Centre with the help of community fundraising.
Following the attack, Peacehaven Mosque issued a statement: “We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion”. Peacehaven Mosque has also stated it will remain closed until the police investigation has come to an end.
The attack has prompted condemnation from the Prime Minister, whose spokesman said “he was appalled by the arson attack in Peacehaven”. Meanwhile, Chris Ward, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has described the attack as “disgusting” and said it was “purely by chance’’ that the fire caused no injuries.
Yesterday, Sussex Police issued photos of the suspects in an appeal to identify them. Footage shows the two suspects wearing masks approaching the entrance to the Mosque and spraying accelerant before starting the fire. Police presence at the scene and its surroundings has increased since the attack.
The local community has spoken out in solidarity, with Brighton and Hove Faith in Action stating the group “stands in sorrow and solidarity with our Muslim neighbours”. Local businesses in Peacehaven have taken to social media offering safe spaces for the community. Nearby Be Fabulous hair salon has said they are “deeply saddened by the attack” and that “everyone is safe in our salon”. Similarly, local Cherry Bones Tattoo Studio has said they are “disappointed, sad and shocked” and that “should anybody find themselves in any unsettling, aggravated situations where they are afraid, please come to us…you are not alone in Peacehaven”.
A fundraising page has been set up to help the Mosque repair the building and increase its protection in the aftermath of the attack.
Link to fundraiser: https://gofund.me/cc4213c39
