Masked thugs tried to burn down a mosque as the Home Secretary appealed for unity in the aftermath of the Manchester synagogue terror attack.
Police are treating the incident at Peacehaven Community Mosque in East Sussex as a hate crime.
Worshippers, including an imam, escaped as two men in balaclavas set fire to fuel poured on steps.
Images circulating online also show a torched car parked outside on Saturday night.
The pair are seen in CCTV stills approaching the front door, before spraying accelerant at the entrance and then igniting a fire shortly before 10pm.
One male was wearing a distinctive black jacket with a Pre London logo in white on the chest, while the other had bright red gloves.
Detectives are hunting for the suspects as they investigate arson with intent to endanger life.
Shabana Mahmood described the incident as “deeply concerning”, adding: “An investigation is ongoing, but it seems clear that things could easily have been far worse,” Ms Mahmood said on Sunday.
“At a time like this, we must stand united.
“This country’s greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities.
“Attacks against Britain’s Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.”
Tariq Jung, of the Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum, fears people are “reacting violently to national or international events beyond anyone’s control”.
He added: “This was a deliberate act of terror aimed at spreading fear.
“An attack on one community is an attack on all. We will not be divided.”
Sussex Police said on Sunday evening it is not currently being treated as terror-related.
Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party, had pressed officers to “seek clarity on the motives of this attack”.
“People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith,” Mr Ali said.
A spokesman for the mosque said: “We are deeply saddened by the shocking arson attack that took place at Peacehaven Community Centre on the evening of Saturday, October 4.
“While the incident has caused damage to our building and vehicles, we are profoundly grateful that no one was injured.
“This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values.
“We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.”
The mosque will be closed until police have completed their investigations, the spokesperson added.
Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Appalled by the disgusting arson attack on Peacehaven mosque last night.
“That there were no injuries is purely by chance.
“This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community. We will root it out and we stand in solidarity with all affected.”
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said: “This was an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe.
“We will continue to have an increased police presence in Peacehaven and there are also additional patrols taking place at places of worship across Sussex.
“We will continue to engage with all communities impacted by this incident to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.
“Let me be clear: There is no place for hate and division in our communities.
“Those who are responsible for causing these offences will be dealt with robustly by the police and put before the courts.”
Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna added: “Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county.”
The mosque spokesman thanked emergency services and the local community for their support in the wake of the fire.
“We also extend heartfelt thanks to our neighbours, local faith leaders, and all those who have reached out in solidarity,” he said.
“Your support strengthens us and reminds us that love and understanding will always overcome hate and division.”
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “We utterly condemn what appears to have been an arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven.
“Every faith community has the right to worship free from fear.”
On Sunday, the funeral of the first victim of the Manchester terror attack took place.
Mourners paid tribute to Melvin Cravitz, 66, who died after he helped to prevent 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie from entering the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue as the attack unfolded on Thursday.
His family said he was a man who “would do anything to help anyone”.
Adrian Daulby, 53, also died and is believed to have been shot dead by police while trying to stop Al-Shamie, who was on bail for an alleged rape, from getting inside.
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