A devastating suspected arson attack on an east London restaurant has left three people in a life-threatening condition, prompting an urgent and extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The incident, which occurred late Friday night, saw emergency services descend upon Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill, Ilford, where a significant fire ripped through the establishment. The blaze has sent shockwaves through the local community, with authorities working diligently to identify those responsible and understand the full extent of the criminal act. This news marks a concerning development in London’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety.
Emergency Response and Scene
The alarm was raised at approximately 9 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, with the London Fire Brigade receiving an initial seven calls reporting a fire at a restaurant. Responding with urgency, crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone, and Woodford fire stations were mobilised to the scene. Firefighters arrived to find a fire that had taken hold of part of the ground floor of the establishment. In a critical phase of the operation, emergency personnel executed rescue efforts. Nine individuals had already managed to escape the building safely before the arrival of the fire brigade. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, then entered the premises to rescue five more people trapped inside. The formidable blaze was declared under control and extinguished by 10:32 PM, but the scene was left heavily damaged, with police later cordoning off the area for forensic examination.
Victims and Injuries
The ferocity of the fire resulted in severe injuries to five people, identified as three women and two men. All victims were treated at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service for burns and smoke inhalation. The severity of their injuries was critically high, with three individuals sustaining life-threatening conditions. These seriously injured patients, along with the two others, were promptly transported to local hospitals for advanced medical care. The London Ambulance Service deployed significant resources, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer, and paramedics from their hazardous area response team, alongside a trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance, indicating the critical nature of the casualties.
Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police swiftly classified the incident as a suspected arson attack and have taken the lead in the investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, heading the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit, acknowledged the understandable concern within the community. “My team of specialist detectives are working at speed to piece the incident together,” DCI Rogers stated, assuring residents that a robust police presence would be maintained in the area to address any concerns. Forensic officers were observed meticulously examining the scene on Saturday, with preliminary findings including what appeared to be bloodstained footprints along the pavement, suggesting a violent altercation or struggle may have preceded or accompanied the fire. The investigation is ongoing, with no arrests having been made to date.
Witness Accounts and Community Reaction
The shocking events unfolded before the eyes of local residents. Edward Thawe, a 43-year-old hospital porter who lives nearby, described the scene as “horrible” and “more than scary,” recalling the cacophony of sirens and flashing lights. He witnessed emergency services tending to victims, including a man whose “whole body was burnt,” a harrowing image that left a lasting impression. Another resident reported seeing “severely burned” individuals receiving immediate medical attention. Disturbing CCTV footage, reportedly viewed by news agencies, allegedly shows a group of individuals with their faces covered entering the restaurant, pouring a liquid substance, and subsequently fleeing. The immediate aftermath was described by one local businessman as akin to a “Halloween scene,” a stark comparison highlighting the chaotic and terrifying nature of the incident.
Local Response and Appeal for Information
Wes Streeting, the Member of Parliament for Ilford North and current Health Secretary, publicly thanked the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service for their swift and professional response to what he termed a “serious incident.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of local businesses and the potential impact of deliberate criminal acts. Authorities are now appealing to the public for any information that could shed light on the perpetrators. Anyone who was in the vicinity of Woodford Avenue around 9 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, or possesses any relevant details, is strongly encouraged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference number 7559/22AUG. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Conclusion
The investigation into the suspected arson attack at the Ilford restaurant continues as authorities strive to ascertain the motive and identify the individuals responsible for the grievous act. The critical condition of three victims underscores the severity of the incident, which has left a community shaken and seeking answers. The Metropolitan Police are committed to a thorough investigation, with the hope of bringing those accountable to justice and preventing similar tragedies from occurring. This report is a featured piece of ongoing london news coverage tracking the development of this significant incident.
