London, Oct 6 (AP) – Authorities launched an investigation into what they're describing as a hate crime after a mosque in a coastal English town was set ablaze.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, just two days following a deadly attack in Manchester, where a knife-wielding individual targeted a synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Tragically, two men were killed during what officials have deemed a terrorist assault, with one victim inadvertently shot by law enforcement as he and others attempted to protect those inside by barricading the synagogue.
Emergency teams responded to a fire report at Peacehaven Mosque on Saturday at approximately 9:45 p.m. The mosque's main entrance and an adjacent parked vehicle sustained damage, though fortunately, there were no injuries reported, according to Sussex Police.
Video footage, released by police on Sunday, depicted two individuals with balaclavas approaching the mosque, spraying an accelerant on the entrance, and then setting it alight.
Detective Inspector Gavin Patch confirmed that authorities are treating the incident as arson with the intent to endanger life, with evidence at the site indicating the fire was deliberately set according to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
"This was an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe," Inspector Patch stated. Increased police presence has been established in the area and at various worship sites across Sussex to offer reassurance.
Political and religious leaders have universally condemned the attack, urging unity among communities. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing, “The strength of our country lies in its unity amidst diverse communities. Attacks against Britain's Muslim population are assaults on all Britons and the nation itself.”
A representative from the Peacehaven Mosque commented, "This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always epitomized kindness, respect, and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values."
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, also voiced his condemnation, asserting that “every faith community has the right to worship free from fear.”
These incidents unfold against a backdrop of rising tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have become frequent across the UK since the onset of Israel's military action in Gaza. While largely peaceful, some view these protests as a catalyst for increased antisemitism. Certain Jewish individuals report feeling intimidated by chants such as “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
A small number of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have been arrested for expressing support for Hamas, a proscribed organization in the UK. On Saturday, approximately 1,000 people congregated in Trafalgar Square to object to the prohibition of Palestine Action, a group notorious for vandalizing British military aircraft and targeting entities connected to the Israeli military, now labeled as a terrorist organization by the government. In a counterpoint, hundreds of participants, waving Israeli and British flags, gathered in London and Manchester the following day to commemorate the near-2nd anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel and to call for the release of hostages while mourning the recent synagogue attack victims. (AP) SKS SKS
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