Police are investigating after a mosque was torched.

The mosque in Wivelsfield Road, Haywards Heath, was set on fire overnight on Sunday.

Police were called by the fire service at 2.08am.

No one was hurt.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: “We were called at 2.05am to a fire at a place of worship.

“The fire was in a single storey building and was out on arrival.

“A joint investigation has been launched by fire and police as the fire was caused by arson.

“Two appliances from Haywards Heath attended.”

The mosque, which used to be a church hall, opened in November last year.

The Mid Sussex Islamic Society spent more than £250,000 renovating it.

Three 19-year-olds have been charged with arson, theft and causing fear of unlawful violence and are due in court this morning.

Josh Morris, of Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, James Smith, of St Andrew's Road, Burgess Hill, and James Everley, of Broadwood Rise, Crawley, are due to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court.

A 17-year-old boy from Burgess Hill arrested on suspicion of arson, theft and causing fear of unlawful violence has been bailed until March 29 pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Ed de la Rue, district fire commander for Mid Sussex, said: “Four males were quickly arrested by officers in the area and we are working with the users of the mosque and local residents to offer them support.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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