A suspected arson attack at an Indian restaurant in Ilford left five people injured, with three fighting for their lives after masked attackers were captured on CCTV dousing the premises with liquid before it erupted in flames. The incident occurred at Indian Aroma on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, at approximately 9pm on Friday.
CCTV footage shows a group of people with covered faces entering the restaurant before pouring liquid onto the floor. Seconds later, the building was engulfed in flames, with footage appearing to show a man running from the scene with his clothing on fire.
Victims and emergency response
Five people - three women and two men - suffered burns and smoke inhalation injuries. Three victims remain in life-threatening condition after being treated at the scene and rushed to hospital by emergency services.
The emergency response included paramedics, hazardous area response teams and an air ambulance trauma team. All five victims were given oxygen treatment before being transported to hospital, where they remain.
Witness accounts
Local businessman Sayed Bokhari described the scene as resembling "Halloween" after speaking to the restaurant manager. "He was crying. He was very shocked. He was really crying. He was extremely scared," Bokhari said.
"It looked like a scene from Halloween. It was a serious, dramatic thing and people were running around him," he added, referring to the injured man who fled the building.
Hospital porter Edward Thawe stepped outside his nearby home with his 12-year-old son after hearing screaming. He described seeing a man whose "whole body was burnt", including his shirt, though he was still wearing his trousers.
Investigation and community impact
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers of the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime North unit is leading the investigation into the suspected arson attack. No arrests have been made.
Uniformed officers maintained a police cordon on Saturday as forensic officers in protective clothing examined the scene. A trail of what appeared to be bloody footprints along the pavement was spotted by investigators.
"We understand this incident will cause concern within the community. My team of specialist detectives are working at speed to piece the incident together," Rogers said. Locals can expect to see a large police presence in the area.
Bokhari, who has run a business in the area for 15 years, expressed fears about security. "It is scary because we run retail stores which are welcoming customers in. The doors are open like the doors of your house," he said. "London is not such a fun place any more."
Sources used: "PA Media", "Evening Standard", "MyLondon", "Daily Mail", "Express", "The Standard"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
