Peacehaven mosque worshippers ‘ran through fire to escape arson’

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

The pair were in Peacehaven Mosque when the blaze, which was started with accelerant, engulfed the front steps of the building on 4 October, the Old Bailey was told.

Ricky Ryder, 38, of Richington Way in Seaford, and Jack Slowey, 34, of Mayfield Avenue in Peacehaven, have been charged with arson to endanger life and two further charges of arson.

Prosecutor Amy Packham told the court: “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, in East Sussex, and one of two nearby cars was completely burnt out.

The building’s lights were on when a fire was allegedly started, the court heard.

The defendants appeared in court on Friday by videolink from Thameside jail.

They spoke to confirm their identities and were remanded into custody.

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

The accused will next appear in court on 27 March when they are due to enter their plea.

A provisional trial date has been set for 1 December 2026.