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.

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

The blaze was later put out by the fire service.

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.

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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.

Sussex Police Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said: "This is a fast-moving investigation, and we are urging anyone with relevant information to report it to us.

"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."

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