Counter-Terrorism Police Lead Investigation into Peacehaven Mosque Arson
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into the 4 October arson attack at Peacehaven mosque in East Sussex.
- Two men, Ricky Ryder and Jack Slowey, have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and will stand trial at the Old Bailey on 14 November.
- A 69-year-old man from Newhaven was arrested on 31 October in connection with the case and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
- The attack has heightened concerns among British Muslim communities, with leaders condemning the incident and calling for increased safety measures.
- The mosque suffered significant damage, and the attack has been widely condemned by various faith communities across the UK.
Counter-terrorism officers have assumed control of the investigation into a deliberate arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, which occurred on 4 October. The decision to involve Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) came after new evidence emerged during the initial inquiries led by local Sussex police.
Arson Attack Details
The attack took place at the Peacehaven mosque, located on Phyllis Avenue, where two worshippers narrowly escaped harm as flames engulfed the entrance. Video footage captured the dramatic scene, showing large flames and a car outside the mosque severely damaged. Investigators discovered that an accelerant had been used to intensify the blaze.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
Two men, Ricky Ryder, 38, from Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, from Peacehaven, have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. They are currently in custody and are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 14 November. Additionally, a 69-year-old man from Newhaven was arrested on 31 October in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The arson attack has sparked widespread condemnation and concern among British Muslim communities, who have been experiencing a rise in religious hate crimes. Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, emphasized that such incidents are often fueled by negative media portrayals and political rhetoric. The Board of Deputies of British Jews also condemned the attack, asserting that all faith communities should be able to worship without fear.
Police and Community Response
Det Ch Supt Claire Finlay, head of CTPSE, acknowledged the anxiety the incident has caused locally and assured that the investigation is progressing swiftly. Supt Rachel Swinney of Sussex Police expressed gratitude to the local community for their support and cooperation during the investigation.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely remain on uncovering the motive behind the attack, which could have broader implications for community relations and security measures in the region. The upcoming trial at the Old Bailey will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. Experts suggest that increased dialogue and collaboration between law enforcement and community leaders could be pivotal in preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of all faith communities across the UK.
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Counter-Terrorism Police Lead Investigation into Peacehaven Mosque Arson
In This Article
Sofia Romano| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into the 4 October arson attack at Peacehaven mosque in East Sussex.
- Two men, Ricky Ryder and Jack Slowey, have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life and will stand trial at the Old Bailey on 14 November.
- A 69-year-old man from Newhaven was arrested on 31 October in connection with the case and has been bailed pending further inquiries.
- The attack has heightened concerns among British Muslim communities, with leaders condemning the incident and calling for increased safety measures.
- The mosque suffered significant damage, and the attack has been widely condemned by various faith communities across the UK.
Counter-terrorism officers have assumed control of the investigation into a deliberate arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, which occurred on 4 October. The decision to involve Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) came after new evidence emerged during the initial inquiries led by local Sussex police.
Arson Attack Details
The attack took place at the Peacehaven mosque, located on Phyllis Avenue, where two worshippers narrowly escaped harm as flames engulfed the entrance. Video footage captured the dramatic scene, showing large flames and a car outside the mosque severely damaged. Investigators discovered that an accelerant had been used to intensify the blaze.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
Two men, Ricky Ryder, 38, from Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, from Peacehaven, have been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. They are currently in custody and are scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on 14 November. Additionally, a 69-year-old man from Newhaven was arrested on 31 October in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Community Reactions and Concerns
The arson attack has sparked widespread condemnation and concern among British Muslim communities, who have been experiencing a rise in religious hate crimes. Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, emphasized that such incidents are often fueled by negative media portrayals and political rhetoric. The Board of Deputies of British Jews also condemned the attack, asserting that all faith communities should be able to worship without fear.
Police and Community Response
Det Ch Supt Claire Finlay, head of CTPSE, acknowledged the anxiety the incident has caused locally and assured that the investigation is progressing swiftly. Supt Rachel Swinney of Sussex Police expressed gratitude to the local community for their support and cooperation during the investigation.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely remain on uncovering the motive behind the attack, which could have broader implications for community relations and security measures in the region. The upcoming trial at the Old Bailey will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. Experts suggest that increased dialogue and collaboration between law enforcement and community leaders could be pivotal in preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of all faith communities across the UK.
Images from the Web
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