An arson attack at the Indian Aroma restaurant in Gants Hill, Ilford, east London, has left five people injured, with three in life-threatening condition. The incident occurred around 9pm on Friday, August 22, when masked individuals entered the premises, poured liquid, and ignited flames. CCTV footage shows the harrowing moment, with a man seen running out of the building partially on fire. The fire caused significant damage to the ground floor of the restaurant.
Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade rescued five individuals from the building, who were subsequently treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Two were taken to a major trauma centre while three were treated at local hospitals. In addition to those rescued, nine other people managed to escape the premises before the blaze took hold. Eyewitnesses described hearing screams and sirens, with one resident recalling seeing three people "severely burned" and being tended to, expressing horror at the severity of their pain.
Two arrests have been made in connection with the attack: a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been taken into custody on suspicion of arson. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers appealed to the public for any information that could assist the ongoing investigation, urging witnesses to contact the Metropolitan Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
The Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade are treating the incident as a serious arson attack, with the cause still under formal investigation. The release of CCTV footage in the wake of the attack has shocked local residents and business owners, some describing the scenes as akin to a "Halloween scene." The attack has caused widespread concern within the community about safety and the motive behind the blaze.
Similar incidents in the UK, such as a recent racially motivated arson attack on a restaurant complex in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, have heightened awareness around the potential hate crime elements associated with such deliberate fires. While authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the Gants Hill attack, the violent nature of the assault and presence of masked perpetrators have prompted ongoing scrutiny.
The community remains deeply affected, with calls for vigilance and support for those injured. Police continue to ask anyone with information to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.
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Source: Noah Wire Services