Emergency services were called to the building in Phyllis Avenue around 9:50pm on Saturday 4th October.

Footage showed two people wearing masks and dark clothing approaching the front door before spraying accelerant on the entrance of the mosque and igniting a fire.

Emergency crews from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service promptly attended the scene and were able to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, those inside at the time were not injured, but significant damage was caused to the mosque and a nearby vehicle.

Appeal

Detectives are investigating and have issued images of the two people seen in the footage that they wish to identify.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said:

“We are treating this as an arson with intent to endanger life and are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry to identify those responsible.”

“The investigation is progressing at pace, and we are pursuing all lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for this appalling and reckless attack.”

“We are releasing images of two people we wish to speak with, shown in the footage, wearing distinctive clothing. We believe there are people in the community who know who these two are. If you have any information, no matter how small you think it might be, we urge you to do the right thing and come forward before any further harm is caused."

Image 1 (above) shows the mosque.

Image 2 (please use arrows on Image 1) shows 2 people the police wish to identify and speak with.

Please submit any information using the link below