U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has denounced a suspected arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, describing it as a “shocking and appalling” act against the nation’s values. Police are treating the Saturday night fire as a hate crime, though it is not currently being investigated as terror-related.
Emergency services responded to reports of a blaze at around 9:45 p.m., finding the front entrance of the Peacehaven Mosque and a nearby vehicle damaged. Fortunately, no one was injured. CCTV footage released by police shows two masked individuals dousing the entrance with an accelerant before setting it alight. Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
Detective Inspector Gavin Patch called it “an appalling and reckless attack,” adding that the incident has shaken the local community. Police have increased patrols around mosques and other places of worship across Sussex to reassure residents.
Political and faith leaders have united in condemning the incident. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged Britons to “stand united,” while a spokesperson for Peacehaven Mosque said the act “does not represent our community or our town.” Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, also expressed solidarity, affirming that “every faith community has the right to worship free from fear.”
The attack occurred just days after two people were killed during a knife assault at a Manchester synagogue, an incident authorities classified as a terrorist act. The dual tragedies have heightened concerns over rising religious tensions in the U.K., exacerbated by divisions linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
While pro-Palestinian demonstrations and counter-rallies have largely remained peaceful, officials warn of increasing polarization. The government has urged calm and unity, emphasizing that hate-motivated violence—against any community—undermines the fabric of British society.
