The Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on the Peace Community Centre and Mosque in Peacehaven. The attackers attempted to break into the mosque to set it on fire, and when they failed to gain entry, they poured petrol at the front entrance and set it alight. Worshippers, including the Imam, were still inside. We thank God no lives were lost and extend our deep gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response.
This was a deliberate act of terror and killing, not vandalism, aimed at spreading fear and division. It comes amid a worrying rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism across the UK, fuelled by far-right extremism and divisive rhetoric.
We stand in full solidarity with the Jewish community following the recent attack in Manchester and with all people of faith and none who face hatred and violence.
An attack on one community is an attack on all. We will not be divided.
We call for:
- The police must classify this as a terrorist attack and investigate any extremist links.
- The Government to take urgent action against hate-fuelled extremism.
- Political leaders reject all rhetoric and groups that incite or enable hatred.
- This is not the Britain we believe in. We stand united, guided by compassion, justice, and solidarity.