Peacehaven Mosque Turns Arson Attack into Community Outreach Effort
The Sussex mosque was damaged in October when flames engulfed its front steps, forcing worshippers to run through the fire to escape.
The incident is the subject of ongoing court proceedings, with two men facing arson charges.
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Trustee Muhammad Khan said that the community was “very excited” to invite visitors from 15:00 GMT on Saturday.
He added that the mosque wanted to show how it could “add value in the community,” and that “something bad can become a positive.”
The fire on 4 October caused serious damage to the mosque’s entrance, while a nearby vehicle was destroyed.
The attack prompted visits by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood shortly afterward.
Two suspects, Ricky Ryder of Seaford and Jack Slowey of Peacehaven, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday. They are charged with arson with intent to endanger life and two additional counts of arson.
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Both were remanded in custody and are expected to enter pleas at a hearing on 27 March. A provisional trial date has been set for December 2026.
Zoe Nicholson, leader of Lewes District Council, said that she was impressed by the mosque’s resilience, noting that it would have been easy for them to withdraw after the incident.
Instead, she said, the community chose to remain open and continue its outreach work.
Source: Agencies
