UK police probe suspected arson attack on mosque as ‘hate crime’

In response to reports of a spate of violent crimes against religious sites, police in the UK are looking into a possible arson attack on a mosque in southern England as a “hate crime.”

On Saturday, just before 10 p.m. (22:00 GMT), officers were called to the scene of an arson attack on Phyllis Avenue in Peacehaven, East Sussex, according to local police.

According to them, the fire destroyed a car and the mosque’s front entrance, adding that no one was hurt.

A burned-out car is visible at the mosque’s entrance, according to images and video shared online.

Two people were inside the building when two balaclava-clad people tried to force the mosque door open, according to a report on CNN, which quoted a volunteer mosque manager. The building was then set on fire by two balaclava-clad people.

The mosque’s spokesperson stated in a statement that the community was “deeply saddened” by the “shocking” attack. We are deeply appreciative that no one was hurt, despite the incident having damaged our building and vehicles.

“This hateful behavior does not fit our town or our community.” We will continue to live up to the values that Peacehaven has always fostered, such as kindness, respect, and mutual support,” the statement continued.

We urged everyone to reject division and show compassion and unity when responding to hate, the statement continued.

According to Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna, the Muslim community was concerned by the attack. According to Bohanna, “there is already an increased police presence at the scene, and there are also additional patrols taking place across the county to provide reassurance,”.

There is no place for hate in the county, according to Sussex Police, who adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hate crime.

Possible “terrorist” act

The police must determine the origins of the attack and whether it qualifies as “an act of terrorism,” according to Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party.

People in this community will feel terrified and targeted for their faith because they were inside the mosque when it was firebombed, Ali said.

Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven Labour MP Chris Ward described the “disgusting” attack as “appalled.”

He claimed that there were no injuries, which was purely accidental. Our peaceful, accepting neighborhood has no place for this hatred and violence. We’ll find a way to stop it and show our support to those who are affected.

Following a ramming and stabbing on Thursday at a synagogue in northern Manchester, the attack comes. Two people were seriously hurt, and three were killed.

The Islamophobic arson attack was condemned by the Muslim Council of Britain, which urged authorities to “provide robust protection for all places of worship.”

The mosque attack “follows a disturbing pattern of intimidation and violence,” it continued. The council added in its statement that “a mosque was attacked just last week in Hounslow, while mosques across the nation were targeted by coordinated hate campaigns and bomb threats.”

Separately, the East London Mosque stated on X that “our communities must remain unwavering – Muslims, Jews, Christians, people of all faiths, and none – in standing together against extremism, intolerance, and violence.”

The British Jewish Board’s Deputies also criticized the mosque attack, stating on X that “every faith community has the right to worship without fear.” Better than this is our nation.

Following months of protests against asylum seekers and a social media campaign called #OperationRaisetheColours, the UK’s climate is still tense.

The call was heeded in recent weeks by those who pinned the flag of England with St. George’s Cross and Union Jacks to some shops, lampposts, roundabouts, and other public places across the country. The white stripes of zebra crossings have been painted with red crosses.

Source: Aljazeera