British police have arrested a second man in connection with a suspected arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
Emergency services were called to the mosque on Saturday evening after two masked individuals were seen spraying suspected accelerant on the entrance before setting it alight. Images released by police showed the pair wearing balaclavas during the attack.
A 46-year-old man was arrested on Monday, while a 25-year-old man of no fixed address was taken into custody the following day, Sussex Police confirmed. Both were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The older suspect has been released on conditional bail, while the younger remains in custody.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney said police were working closely with local religious communities to provide reassurance. “Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county,” she said.
Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore urged anyone with information to come forward. “We believe there are people in the community who know who is responsible for this appalling and reckless attack,” he said, encouraging witnesses to contact police and quote Operation Spey.
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