A devastating suspected arson attack on a restaurant in Ilford, east London, has left three people in a life-threatening condition, prompting an urgent investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The blaze, which broke out at the Indian Aroma restaurant on Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill around 9pm on Friday, August 22, saw emergency services descend on the scene.
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and firefighters, were all called to the restaurant shortly after 9pm. The London Fire Brigade received seven calls reporting the fire, dispatching crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone, and Woodford fire stations. The fire was brought under control and extinguished by 10:32pm, but not before significant damage was caused to the ground floor of the premises.
Casualties and Response
Firefighters bravely rescued five people from within the restaurant, while an additional nine individuals managed to escape the building before the fire service arrived. In total, five people sustained injuries. These included three women and two men, who were all treated at the scene by paramedics for burns and smoke inhalation. Subsequently, they were transported to hospital for further care. Tragically, three of the five injured individuals are currently in a life-threatening condition.
The London Ambulance Service deployed extensive resources, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer, and paramedics from their hazardous area response team. A trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance was also dispatched. Speaking about the response, a spokesperson stated, “We treated five people for burns and smoke inhalation. We took two patients to a major trauma centre and three others to local hospitals.”
Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as a suspected arson attack. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit, stated, “We understand this incident will cause concern within the community. My team of specialist detectives are working at speed to piece the incident together.” He added that locals could expect to see a significant police presence in the area.
No arrests have been made at this time. Police are urging anyone with any information that could assist their investigation to contact them by dialling 101 and quoting reference 7559/22AUG. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Witness Accounts and Community Impact
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene. One local resident, Edward Thawe, 43, a hospital porter, recounted stepping outside his home after hearing screams. He described the aftermath as “horrible” and “more than scary.” He reported seeing one man whose “whole body was burnt,” including his shirt, while still wearing his trousers.
Another resident described the scene as akin to “a Halloween scene,” with CCTV footage appearing to show individuals with their faces covered entering the restaurant and pouring liquid before the blaze erupted. The incident has understandably caused concern within the local community, with local MP Wes Streeting thanking emergency services for their rapid response and advising constituents to avoid the area.
This news story is developing, and further updates from the Metropolitan Police and emergency services are anticipated. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by deliberate fire-setting and its devastating impact on individuals and the community in London.
