Overview
- Emergency services responded to the Phyllis Avenue mosque fire at around 9:50pm on October 4, causing significant damage to the frontage and a nearby car while two people inside escaped unharmed.
- Footage released by police shows two masked individuals approaching the entrance, spraying an accelerant and igniting the doorway.
- Four men aged 46, 27, 25 and 22 have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and released on conditional bail as inquiries continue, with detectives urging information via 101 quoting Operation Spey.
- Sussex Police are maintaining a 24/7 presence at the site as they pursue the hate-crime investigation and engage with local religious communities.
- Hundreds gathered for a vigil at the mosque to show support, while fundraising has topped tens of thousands of pounds and surveyors have outlined repair and security needs.