LONDON — Police in southern England said on Sunday they are investigating a suspected arson attack at a mosque in the coastal town of Peacehaven, East Sussex, as a hate crime.

Emergency services were called to the building on Phyllis Avenue late Saturday evening after reports of a fire.

Surveillance footage showed two masked individuals wearing dark clothing approaching the mosque’s entrance, spraying an accelerant, and setting it alight before fleeing.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing further spread. No one inside the mosque was injured, though the entrance and a nearby vehicle suffered significant damage.

Sussex Police released images of two suspects they wish to identify. One was seen wearing a black jacket with a “Pre London” logo on the chest, while the other wore bright red gloves.

Detective Inspector Gavin Patch described the incident as “an appalling and reckless attack which we know will have left many people feeling less safe.”

He said the case is being treated as “arson with intent to endanger life,” urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We believe there are people in the community who know who these two are,” he said. “No matter how small you think it might be, please do the right thing and contact us before any further harm is caused.”

Superintendent Rachel Swinney said patrols around mosques and other places of worship had been stepped up across Sussex to reassure local communities.

“Sussex Police takes a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, and there is no place for hate across the county,” she said.

A spokesperson for the mosque expressed gratitude that no one was harmed, calling the attack “a hateful act that does not represent our community or our town.”

“Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect and mutual support,” the statement read. “We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.”

The East London Mosque also condemned the incident, noting it was the second violent attack on a UK place of worship this week. “We must not let the politics of hate divide us. We stand united for peace, safety, and justice,” it said.

Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes James MacCleary called the fire “appalling,” adding, “It is used by my constituents and is an important part of the local community. Police are treating it as a hate crime.” — Agencies