Detectives investigating a suspected arson attack at a restaurant in East London on Friday night have made two arrests. A 15-year-old boy and 54-year-old man were apprehended today (Sunday, August 24) on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life and remain in police custody.
Officers were called to the Indian Aroma restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Grants Hill, Ilford, on Friday, August 22, at around 9pm. Five confirmed victims – three women and two men – were injured in the incident.
Two of them – a man and a woman – remain in a life-threatening condition, while three others were also hospitalised. It is believed there are two further victims who left the scene before officers arrived. Police efforts are ongoing to identify them.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit said: “While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening.
“I know the community are concerned and shocked by this incident. I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and speak to police.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101, quoting 7559/22AUG. If you wish to remain anonymous, please speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Locals in Ilford have been reacting to the fire. Sam Bokhari, 39, who has run a business in the area for 15 years, said: “It is scary because we run retail stores which are welcoming customers in.
“The doors are open like the doors of your house. We cannot body check everyone to see if they are safe. There is only so much that high street security can do.
“It is scary. You are worried for people. You are worried about your business. London is not such a fun place any more.”
Another local resident, hospital porter Edward Thawe, 43, stepped outside his nearby home with his 12-year-old son after hearing screaming. Mr Thawe said one man on the street and a woman, who was also outside, may have been customers. He said the man’s “whole body was burnt”, including his shirt, but he was still wearing his trousers.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
