India, Oct. 5 -- A mosque in Peacehaven, East Sussex, was set on fire late Saturday while two people were still inside, in what police are investigating as a suspected hate crime, authorities said.

According to a voluntary mosque manager, who asked not to be named, two people wearing balaclavas attempted to force open the mosque's door before pouring petrol on the steps and setting it alight, he told CNN.

Sussex Police said emergency services were called to the fire at a building in Phyllis Avenue at about 9:50 p.m. local time on Saturday, October 4. The blaze caused damage to the front entrance of the mosque and a vehicle parked outside.

No casualties were reported, police confirmed.

Detective Superintendent Karrie Bohanna said, "Thi...