A mosque in Peacehaven, near Brighton on England’s south coast, was set ablaze on Saturday night, with two individuals inside. Sussex Police are treating the incident as a suspected hate crime. 

According to a voluntary mosque manager who spoke anonymously, two individuals wearing balaclavas attempted to force open the mosque’s door before pouring gasoline on the steps and igniting it. No one was injured in the incident. A volunteer at the mosque said , “It could have been murder,” adding that the two people inside managed to escape unharmed.

The front entrance of the building and a vehicle parked outside were damaged. Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna of Sussex Police stated, “We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result.” The police have increased their presence in the area and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.