Police have made further arrests over an arson attack on a mosque in East Sussex.
The building in Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven was badly damaged by the fire at about 9.50pm on Saturday. Nobody was injured, but police said “significant damage” was caused to the front of the building and a nearby vehicle.
A total of four people have been arrested so far on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life since Monday. These include a 46-year-old man and three other men: a 25-year-old, 27-year-old and 22-year-old. They have all been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
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, police said.
DCI Mark Cullimore said: “Our investigation continues at pace and we have been carrying out extensive inquiries, including house to house, forensic and gathering intelligence.
“We are determined to identify and arrest those who are responsible for this shocking attack and we continue to urge anyone with information which could be vital to our investigation to come forward. Please report here or ring 101, quoting Operation Spey.”
Supt Rachel Swinney said: “We will continue to engage directly with all communities impacted by this incident to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.”
Keir Starmer said the incident was “appalling”, adding that an attack on Muslims was an attack on all Britons. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “We must stand united. This country’s greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities.”
