A MAN, 46, has been arrested in connection with the alleged Peacehaven Mosque arson attack.
Police were called to the building on Phyllis Avenue, in, around 9.50pm on Saturday, October 4.
Fire crews were called out to the chaotic scene at around 9.50pm
A car outside became a fireball in seconds
A probe was launched after two alleged arsonists were caught sprinkling fuel at the door
showed the moment the Peacehaven Community Mosque erupted into flames.
An urgent probe was launched after two alleged arsonists were caught sprinkling fuel at the door of the building.
The subsequent blaze also engulfed a Prius parked outside the place of worship, turning it into a fireball in seconds.
Sussex have now arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The suspect remains in custody.
It has not been confirmed whether the man is one of the two people captured on CCTV .
This comes after one volunteer, who asked not to be named, told The Sun: “Evening prayers had finished, so most people had left the mosque.
“They came in balaclavas and sprayed gasoline on the entrance and the few steps.
“They put it on the door, the entrance and the vehicle parked outside.
“They threw something at it and the vehicle blew up. The fire reached the entrance to the mosque.
“People around phoned the fire brigade straight away.”
He claimed: “Two people inside the mosque got out as soon as they could.
“The chairman, who is an elderly man in his 60s, ran out it just before the car was blown to pieces.”
“It’s clearly a targeted attack,” he alleged.
Despite only having a small congregation, the volunteer said the Muslim community has noticed tensions rising.
They added: “There has been a rise in around here recently.
“It’s a quiet area, there’s only a few Muslim people here.
“Obviously, there are flags around everywhere. But they don’t bother us, this is and there should be flags around.”
The force confirmed no one was harmed in the horror attack.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Footage showed two people wearing masks and dark clothing approaching the front door before spraying accelerant on the entrance of the mosque and igniting a fire.
“Emergency crews from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service promptly attended the scene and were able to extinguish the fire.
“Fortunately those inside at the time were not injured, but significant damage was caused to the mosque and a nearby vehicle.”
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “The investigation is progressing at pace, and we are pursuing all lines of enquiry to identify those responsible for this appalling and reckless attack.
“We are continuing to appeal for information from the public in relation to the incident.
“If you have any knowledge, no matter how small you think it might be, we urge you to contact us immediately by calling 999, quoting Operation Spey.”
Superintendent Rachel Swinney added: “We acknowledge the serious distress and concern this has caused in our communities.
“There is an increased police presence at the scene and additional patrols taking place at places of worship across Sussex to provide visibility and reassurance.
“We will continue to engage with our religious communities to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.”
Damage outside the front entrance of the mosque in Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven, East Sussex
The burnt out vehicle after the horror unfolded
A masked thug appeared to pour an accelerant over the entrance
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