Teenager and Man Arrested After Gants Hill Restaurant Arson Leaves Two Fighting For Life
Gants Hill, London – A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of carrying out a devastating arson attack at an east London restaurant that left five people injured, with two now in a life-threatening condition.
The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at the Indian Aroma restaurant on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, at approximately 9 PM on Friday, August 22nd, following reports of a fire.
Emergency services arrived to a chaotic scene where a large part of the ground floor was engulfed in flames. London Fire Brigade crews rescued five people from inside the building, while nine others managed to escape moments before the blaze intensified.
In an update on Sunday, police confirmed that of the five victims—three women and two men—two remain in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
The investigation has been aided by harrowing CCTV footage from inside the restaurant. The video reportedly shows a group of men with their faces obscured entering the premises and appearing to douse the area with a liquid just before flames erupt. In a particularly disturbing clip, a person is seen running from the restaurant into the street, partially on fire.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with witnesses describing horrific scenes in the aftermath.
A 43-year-old hospital porter, who lives nearby, said he stepped outside with his 12-year-old son after hearing screams to see if he could offer help. He described seeing a man whose, “whole body was burnt”, noting that his shirt had been burned away but he was still wearing his trousers.
Another Ilford resident recalled hearing both screams and sirens filling the street. He described seeing three severely burned people being tended to by emergency responders. “I can only imagine the pain they were going through”, he said.
The two suspects were taken into custody as the investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack continues. Police have not released further details on the suspects at this time.
The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at the Indian Aroma restaurant on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, at approximately 9 PM on Friday, August 22nd, following reports of a fire.
Emergency services arrived to a chaotic scene where a large part of the ground floor was engulfed in flames. London Fire Brigade crews rescued five people from inside the building, while nine others managed to escape moments before the blaze intensified.
In an update on Sunday, police confirmed that of the five victims—three women and two men—two remain in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
The investigation has been aided by harrowing CCTV footage from inside the restaurant. The video reportedly shows a group of men with their faces obscured entering the premises and appearing to douse the area with a liquid just before flames erupt. In a particularly disturbing clip, a person is seen running from the restaurant into the street, partially on fire.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with witnesses describing horrific scenes in the aftermath.
A 43-year-old hospital porter, who lives nearby, said he stepped outside with his 12-year-old son after hearing screams to see if he could offer help. He described seeing a man whose, “whole body was burnt”, noting that his shirt had been burned away but he was still wearing his trousers.
Another Ilford resident recalled hearing both screams and sirens filling the street. He described seeing three severely burned people being tended to by emergency responders. “I can only imagine the pain they were going through”, he said.
The two suspects were taken into custody as the investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack continues. Police have not released further details on the suspects at this time.
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