An attack on a mosque in southern England is being treated as arson and a hate crime by police, after men in balaclavas were filmed attempting to enter the premises and sparking a fire while people were inside late on Oct. 4, reported the Middle East Eye. Emergency services were called to the fire at the mosque in Peacehaven, soon after worshippers left following evening prayers.
Speaking to media outside the damaged centre on the UK’s south coast, a mosque trustee said, “It is definitely hate crime related. The fire did go inside the main area of the building just before the prayer hall.”
A vehicle belonging to a mosque trustee parked outside was set on fire and destroyed in the incident, which was caught on surveillance camera. “It could have been much worse,” another trustee said. “There were two people inside. We think there were three attempts to get inside. We think it may be much more than a hate crime incident. The police are investigating…. The person inside smelt the flames and came outside in good time before the serious explosion,” he added.
Police cordoned off the area on Sunday. “Tensions are high [in the area] but people have come forward to show their solidarity,” said the trustee.
Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum, in a statement, said, “We are relieved that despite the damage to the front entrance and a parked vehicle, the individuals inside managed to escape without physical injury.”
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