Three additional individuals have been detained regarding the firebombing of a mosque.
The detentions occurred during an operation where numerous police officers gathered at the Saltdean Lido car park yesterday evening.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East announced that three individuals have been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the fire attack at the Peacehaven mosque.
Flames were set outside the mosque on Phyllis Avenue on Saturday, October 4 last year. Two individuals who were inside the mosque managed to get out without being hurt.
During yesterday’s operation, a 36-year-old male from Eastbourne was detained on suspicion of planning to commit arson.
A 38-year-old male from Brighton was taken into custody on suspicion of sending harmful communications and causing criminal damage.
A 42-year-old male from Saltdean was apprehended on suspicion of malicious communications and helping or encouraging a criminal act, under section 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.
All three were granted conditional release until June 23.
Superintendent Rachel Swinney of Sussex Police, assisting Counter Terrorism Policing, stated they would maintain close collaboration with Counter Terrorism Policing South East as they deploy specialist capabilities to investigate the Peacehaven mosque fire. The incident sparked justified concern among local residents given its occurrence in October.
These recent detentions are part of a previously arranged operation with no current danger to community members. Residents may observe search activities at homes as investigations proceed.
Two individuals have been indicted in connection with the incident.
Ricky Ryder, 38, residing on Richington Way in Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, from Mayfield Avenue in Peacehaven, face charges of arson with intent to endanger life.
Both appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 24, dressed in grey tracksuits and provided their names, addresses and dates of birth.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for Friday at the Old Bailey in London for a plea hearing.
Additionally, a 70-year-old male from Newhaven who was detained on October 31 for allegedly encouraging an offence has been released on bail until April 30.
Later that month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed an extra £10 million in security funding to safeguard Muslim communities from hate crimes and attacks following his visit to Peacehaven Mosque with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The funding for mosques and Muslim faith centres would finance security improvements such as CCTV, alarm systems, secure fencing and security personnel, according to the government.