Counter-terrorism team takes on mosque arson case

Two worshippers escaped after smelling smoke at the mosque on 4 October

Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into an arson attack at a mosque in East Sussex.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said "as a result of information and evidence that has come to light" during ongoing inquiries, it was now leading the case of the fire at Peacehaven mosque on 4 October.

The organisation said it would "continue to work to establish the motivation for this offence".

Two men charged with setting fire to the mosque will stand trial at the Old Bailey on 14 November.

Ricky Ryder, 38, of Richington Way in Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, of Mayfield Avenue in Peacehaven, are accused of pouring flammable liquid on the mosque and setting it alight while two worshippers were inside.

An additional arrest was made on 31 October where a 69-year-old man from Newhaven was detained in connection with the investigation.

He was bailed until 30 January pending further inquiries.

Det Ch Supt Claire Finlay, head of CTPSE, said: "I appreciate the concern an incident of this nature has caused to those living locally.

"We will continue to progress this investigation at pace."