Police investigating a suspected arson attack on a mosque in a seaside town have released images of two people they wish to identify.
The blaze damaged the front entrance of the mosque and a car in Peacehaven, East Sussex.
Emergency services were called to the building in Phyllis Avenue at around 9.50pm on Saturday. No injuries were reported.
Det Insp Gavin Patch said: "This was an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe."
Detectives are investigating and have issued images of two people they wish to identify.
One wore a distinctive black jacket with a Pre London logo in white on the chest. The second wore bright red gloves.
“We are treating this as an arson with intent to endanger life and are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible,” Det Insp Patch added.
“We are releasing images of two people we wish to speak with [...] wearing distinctive clothing.
“We believe there are people in the community who know who these two are. If you have any information, no matter how small you think it might be, we urge you to do the right thing and come forward before any further harm is caused.
“If you have any information relating to this incident, please contact us immediately by calling 999, quoting Operation Spey.”
Superintendent Rachel Swinney said: “We understand the impact this will have on everyone in Peacehaven and across Sussex.
“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.
“Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county.
“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.”
Information can be reported on the Sussex Police online or on 101, quoting Operation Spey.
In a statement on X, Shabhana Mahmood described the incident as "deeply concerning".
"An investigation is ongoing, but it seems clear that things could easily have been far worse," Ms Mahmood said on Sunday.
She thanked emergency services, adding: "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."
It came after Sussex Police were urged to seek clarity on whether the incident in Phyllis Avenue just before 10pm was an act of terrorism.
Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party, said: "The police need to urgently seek clarity on the motives of this attack and whether this hate crime constitutes an act of terrorism.
"People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith."
