A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been arrested in connection with a suspected arson attack at an Indian restaurant in Gants Hill, Ilford, East London. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at the Indian Aroma restaurant on Woodford Avenue.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests on Sunday, August 24. Both suspects are being held in police custody for questioning on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The fire resulted in injuries to five people – three women and two men. Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, were dispatched to the scene. The London Fire Brigade reported that part of the ground floor of the restaurant was damaged by the fire. Firefighters rescued five people from the restaurant, while nine others had managed to escape before their arrival.
According to police reports, two of the injured individuals remain in life-threatening condition. All five victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities are also searching for two additional individuals who they believe left the scene before officers arrived.
CCTV footage from inside the Indian Aroma restaurant shows a group of individuals, with their faces obscured, entering the premises and appearing to pour liquid onto the floor. Moments later, the restaurant is engulfed in flames. The video also depicts at least one person running from the restaurant with their clothes on fire.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met's Central Specialist Crime North unit, acknowledged the community's concern and shock following the incident. He urged anyone with information or concerns to contact the police. He also stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the events of Friday evening.
The London Fire Brigade sent crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone, and Woodford fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 10:32 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation by both the Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service.
The police are urging anyone with information to contact the Met via 101, quoting reference number 7559/22AUG. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
