Peacehaven Mosque Arson Attack
On October 4, 2025, two masked individuals sprayed accelerant on the door of Peacehaven Community Centre & Mosque in East Sussex and set it ablaze while people were inside. All occupants escaped uninjured. Ricky Ryder, 38, and Jack Slowey, 34, were arrested and charged with arson with intent to endanger life. Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the mosque and announced £10 million in security funding for Muslim community spaces. The attack was documented as one of the most serious in the British Muslim Trust's report on 27 mosque attacks in four months.
Timeline
November 26, 2025
Attack Included in British Muslim Trust Report on 27 Mosque Attacks
The British Muslim Trust's report 'A Summer of Division' documented the Peacehaven arson as one of 27 verified attacks on 25 mosques across 23 towns between July and October 2025, calling it one of the most serious incidents in the wave.
SourceOctober 23, 2025
PM Starmer Visits Mosque, Pledges £10M Security Funding
Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the damaged Peacehaven Mosque and announced £10 million in additional security funding for mosques, Muslim community centres, and faith schools, calling the attack 'horrific' and stating 'attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation.'
SourceOctober 8, 2025
Two Men Arrested for Arson with Intent to Endanger Life
Ricky Ryder, 38, and Jack Slowey, 34, were arrested and charged with arson with intent to endanger life. Both were remanded in custody pending trial.
SourceOctober 5, 2025
Sussex Police Launch Investigation, Appeal for Witnesses
Sussex Police launched a major investigation into the arson attack. CCTV footage showed two suspects fleeing the scene. The Muslim community of Peacehaven expressed shock, noting the mosque had been a peaceful community space for years.
SourceOctober 4, 2025
Peacehaven Mosque Set Ablaze by Masked Arsonists
Two masked individuals sprayed accelerant on the door of Peacehaven Community Centre & Mosque in East Sussex and set it alight at approximately 9:50pm. People inside the mosque escaped uninjured but the building sustained significant fire damage.
SourceJuly 30, 2024
Southport Riots Trigger Wave of UK Anti-Muslim Violence
Following the Southport stabbings and false claims about a Muslim attacker, far-right riots erupted across the UK targeting mosques. The wave of anti-Muslim violence set the stage for escalating attacks on mosques throughout 2025.
SourceQuick Stats