The Metropolitan Police reported that a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been detained on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life. Both individuals are currently in custody.
A teenage boy and a man were apprehended following a suspected arson incident that ravaged an Indian restaurant in east London, resulting in injuries to five individuals, two of whom are in critical condition.
The fire erupted at Indian Aroma located on Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill, Ilford, on Friday evening, causing flames to engulf the structure. Three women and two men were transported to the hospital, with police later confirming that a man and a woman are in life-threatening condition.
The Metropolitan Police stated that a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both remain in custody.
Firefighters took 90 minutes to control the blaze after it ignited around 21:00 BST. Witness Dina Michael recounted to the BBC, “I turned around and saw a man running like a fireball. He was completely engulfed in flames. One of my friends brought a bucket of water, and we were trying to extinguish the fire.”
Michael further noted that the man was wearing a Deliveroo bag, while others injured in the fire were patrons of the restaurant.
Local resident Edward Thawe, 43, mentioned that he observed one of the injured men whose “entire body was burned.” Another resident described seeing three individuals who were “severely burned” receiving treatment from emergency services with water and oxygen.
Police indicated that in addition to the five individuals taken to the hospital, they suspect that two more victims were injured but left the scene prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Efforts to locate them are ongoing.
Nine additional individuals successfully escaped the building before firefighters and police arrived at the location.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers stated, “Although we have made two arrests, our investigation is progressing rapidly to reconstruct the events of evening.”
“I understand that the community is both concerned and shocked by this incident. I strongly encourage anyone who possesses any information or has concerns to step forward and communicate with the police,”.
