Two men charged in England over mosque arson attack

Two men have been charged in connection with an arson attack on a mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, earlier this month, as the UK government rolls out a multi-billion-pound security package to protect Muslim communities from hate crimes.

Ricky Ryder, 38, and Jack Slowey, 34, were remanded in custody and are expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court today. Both face charges of arson with intent to endanger life following the October 4 incident that left the front entrance of the mosque and a parked car damaged.

Although no casualties were recorded, the attack has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger protection of religious spaces. Sussex Police had earlier released CCTV footage showing two masked individuals spraying a suspected accelerant outside the mosque.

A third suspect, aged 42, was arrested but later released on police bail pending further investigation.

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In a bid to reassure the Muslim community and bolster security nationwide, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer yesterday announced a £10 billion funding package aimed at safeguarding places of worship. The initiative includes the installation of CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and secure fencing across vulnerable sites.

“Britain is a proud and tolerant country,” Starmer said during a visit to the Peacehaven mosque, accompanied by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “Attacks on any community are attacks on our entire nation and our values. This funding will provide Muslim communities with the protection they need and deserve.”

He added, “I want a Britain built for all, and my government is committed to delivering safer streets for everyone — and that means protecting places of worship from those who seek to divide us through hate and violence.”

Meanwhile, detectives have urged the public to refrain from online speculation about the incident, warning that it could jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing trial.

The Peacehaven mosque attack is the latest in a string of hate-related incidents targeting religious institutions in the UK, prompting urgent calls for unity and vigilance.

Two men charged in England over mosque arson attack

SKYNEWS