A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a devastating fire at an Indian restaurant in east London. The Metropolitan Police were called to the Indian Aroma restaurant on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, around 9 pm on Friday, August 22, 2025. The incident has left the local community concerned and shocked.
Upon arrival, emergency services found five people, believed to be diners – three women and two men – suffering from burn injuries. Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service treated the injured at the scene before transporting them to the hospital. As of Sunday, August 24, two of the victims, a man and a woman, remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment at a major trauma center.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) sent crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone and Woodford fire stations. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued five people from the restaurant. Approximately nine other people were able to evacuate the restaurant before firefighters arrived. The LFB confirmed that part of the ground floor restaurant was damaged by the fire, which was extinguished by 10:32 pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation by both the LFB and the Metropolitan Police Service.
CCTV footage obtained by the PA news agency shows a group of individuals with their faces obscured entering the Indian Aroma restaurant. They appeared to pour a liquid substance onto the floor, which ignited within seconds, engulfing the restaurant in flames. The footage also captured a person running from the restaurant with their clothing on fire. Neighbors reported hearing "loud screams" as the fire rapidly spread through the building.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met's Central Specialist Crime North unit, is urging anyone with information or concerns to come forward and speak to the police. He stated that the investigation is continuing at pace to piece together the events of Friday evening. Both suspects are currently in custody and are being held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Police believe there may be two further victims who left the scene before officers arrived and are working to identify them.
The Indian Aroma restaurant, managed by Rohit Kaluvala, describes itself as dedicated to serving the authentic flavors of India. The restaurant's website highlights its commitment to first-rate customer service and high-quality, distinctive Indian cuisine, noting curry award wins over the years. Sudhir Cheedella is also mentioned as the owner of the restaurant.
The attack has prompted widespread concern in the community. Sayed Bokhari, a local businessman, expressed his worries for the neighborhood, emphasizing the vulnerability of retail stores with open doors. Edward Thawe, a hospital porter living nearby, rushed to help after hearing screams. A large police presence was maintained in the Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill area throughout the weekend following the incident.
