London, UK – A significant fire at an Indian restaurant in Gants Hill, east London, which has left five people injured, two critically, has led to the arrest of a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, saw flames engulf the popular Indian Aroma restaurant, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Blaze Engulfs Indian Aroma Restaurant
Emergency services were first alerted to the blaze at the Indian Aroma on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, around 9 PM on Friday. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the restaurant was rapidly consumed by flames. The London Fire Brigade reported receiving seven calls about the incident and dispatched multiple crews to the scene. Firefighters battled for approximately 90 minutes to bring the fire under control, which caused substantial damage to the ground floor of the establishment. In total, nine individuals managed to escape the building before the arrival of emergency services.
Five Injured, Two Critically Hurt
The fire resulted in five people sustaining injuries, primarily from burns and smoke inhalation. Three women and two men, believed to be diners at the time, were treated by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service at the scene. They were subsequently transported to hospital for further treatment. As of Sunday, police confirmed that two of the injured – a man and a woman – remained in a life-threatening condition. Authorities are also actively seeking information on two additional victims who are believed to have left the scene before emergency crews arrived.
Harrowing Witness Accounts and CCTV Evidence
Eyewitnesses recounted a horrific scene, with one witness telling the BBC they saw a man running from the restaurant engulfed in flames. “I turned around and see some guy running like a fireball. He was fully on fire,” the witness stated. Another resident described seeing a man whose “whole body was burnt.” The scene was later described by a local resident as a “Halloween scene” due to its dramatic and distressing nature.
CCTV footage obtained from inside the restaurant appears to show a group of individuals, with their faces obscured, entering the premises and pouring a liquid onto the floor before the fire erupted. Further footage from outside the building captured a man fleeing the scene with his clothes alight.
Arrests Made in Connection with Arson Attack
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation, the Metropolitan Police announced on Sunday the arrest of a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man. Both individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in police custody for questioning as detectives work to piece together the events of Friday evening. The Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit is leading the inquiry.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers acknowledged the community’s shock and concern. “While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening,” he said. He urged anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and assist the police.
Community Concern and Ongoing Investigation
The incident has sent ripples of concern through the local community. Business owners in the area have expressed unease, highlighting the vulnerability of public spaces. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the local MP for Ilford North, extended thanks to the emergency services for their swift response.
Investigators are continuing to examine the scene and appeal for further information. The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has any relevant details to contact them via 101, quoting the reference 7559/22AUG, or to speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This news is developing, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses, making this a key piece of London news.
