Doorbell footage shows blaze erupt at mosque after suspected arson attack

Police have launched an investigation after a suspected arson attack at a mosque in East Sussex - as footage shows the moment the fire erupted.

Emergency services were called to the fire in Peacehaven around 9.50pm on Saturday, Sussex Police said.

Doorbell video emerged on Sunday, showing a person on the steps at the entrance of the mosque - and a second person standing at the bottom. Both were wearing balaclavas.

Moments later the blaze erupts and someone runs to safety from inside the building.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the attack on the mosque was "deeply concerning" and she urged people to "stand united".

Photos from the scene showed a burnt-out car in front of the door to the mosque.

The police force said no one was harmed and it was treating the incident as a hate crime.

Read more from Sky News:
Tories pledge 'removals force' to detain and deport illegal migrants
Police get more time to question four arrested over synagogue attack

A spokesperson described it as a "fast-moving investigation" and said there was an increased police presence at the scene as well as additional patrols to provide reassurance.

Ms Mahmood wrote on X: "Reports today of an attack on a mosque in Peacehaven are deeply concerning. I am being kept up-to-date by law enforcement.

"An investigation is ongoing, but it seems clear that things could easily have been far worse.

"At a time like this, we must stand united. This country's greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities.

"Attacks against Britain's Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself."

Terrorism?

Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party, said police needed to "urgently seek clarity on the motives of this attack" and whether "this hate crime constitutes an act of terrorism".

"People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith," he said.

Zero tolerance

Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna described the investigation as "fast-moving" and she urged anyone with relevant information to report it.

"This includes anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell, dashcam, and mobile phone footage in the area at the time.

"We understand the concerns this has caused within the community, and the impact that will be felt by the Muslim community as a result.

"There is already an increased police presence at the scene and there are also additional patrols taking place to provide reassurance at other places of worship across the county.

"Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and there is no place for hate across the county."

(c) Sky News 2025: Doorbell footage shows blaze erupt at mosque after suspected arson attack