Mosque Fire Case Moves Forward as Two Men Remanded in UK Arson Probe

IQNA – A London court has been told that two worshippers fled through flames to escape a fire that prosecutors say was deliberately set at a mosque in southern England.

The hearing at the Old Bailey centred on a blaze that struck Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex on 4 October.

Prosecutors said an accelerant was used to ignite the front steps, causing extensive damage to the entrance and burning out a nearby car.

The UK has seen increased attacks on religious sites in recent years, prompting heightened concern among faith communities.

Prosecutor Amy Packham told the court that “the two occupants in the mosque were able to leave the property running through the fire in order to exit and were not harmed.”

Two men, Ricky Ryder, 38, from Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, from Peacehaven, face charges of arson with intent to endanger life as well as two additional counts of arson.

The court was told the mosque’s lights were on at the time the fire was allegedly lit.

Both defendants appeared by videolink from Thameside prison, confirming their identities before being remanded in custody.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb ordered that the case be tried before a High Court judge at Kingston Crown Court. The defendants are scheduled to return to court on 27 March to enter pleas, with a provisional trial date set for 1 December 2026.

Source: Agencies