Two people were inside building during alleged arson attack on Peacehaven mosque, court hears

Two people ran through fire to escape after an alleged arson attack on a mosque, a court has heard.

Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex was occupied and lights were on when a fire was allegedly started with accelerant on its front steps on the night of 4 October.

Prosecutor Amy Packham told the Old Bailey: "The two occupants in the mosque were able to leave the property running through the fire in order to exit and were not harmed."

She said there was "significant" damage to the front of the mosque and one of two nearby cars was completely burnt out.

Ricky Ryder, 38, and Jack Slowey, 34, were charged with arson with intent to endanger life and two further charges of arson relating to the vehicles.

On Friday, Ryder, from Seaford, and Slowey, from Peacehaven, appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Thameside jail.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the case would be heard by a High Court judge at Kingston Crown Court.

She set a plea hearing for 27 March and a provisional trial from 1 December next year.

The defendants, who spoke to confirm their identities, were remanded into custody.

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