Key Points
- Suspected arson attack at Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford, East London, occurred around 9pm on Friday, August 22, 2025.
- CCTV footage shows masked individuals pouring liquid and setting the restaurant on fire.
- Five people injured, including three women and two men; three are in life-threatening condition.
- A man seen fleeing the burning restaurant with his clothing on fire.
- Fire caused significant damage to the ground floor; nine people escaped before the fire brigade’s rescue of five others.
- Emergency services responded quickly; victims treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
- Police and fire investigators are treating the cause as arson; large police presence at the scene.
- Community reaction includes fear and concern for safety and local businesses.
- No arrests have been made; police urge anyone with information to come forward.
What Happened During the East London Restaurant Firebombing Incident?
As reported by Sarah Betts of the Evening Standard, the harrowing scene unfolded at Indian Aroma, a restaurant located on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, just after 9pm on Friday. CCTV footage shows a group of individuals with their faces covered entering the premises, pouring an unidentified liquid across the floor, and shortly afterwards, flames erupting inside. Diners frantically fled the rapidly engulfing fire, with one man running out of the building with his clothing ablaze.
A local resident witnessed the aftermath and described the scene as “more than scary,” noting a man who appeared badly burnt yet conscious on the street. The victim’s shirt was completely burnt while he still wore his trousers, indicating the severity of the attack.
London Fire Brigade crews responded swiftly, rescuing five people from the ground floor after nine had already escaped. The blaze severely damaged part of the restaurant’s ground floor.
Who Were the Victims and What Was Their Condition?
Sky News journalist Emma Reynolds reported that five victims—three women and two men—suffered burns and smoke inhalation. All were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital for further care. Three of the injured remain in a life-threatening condition, highlighting the seriousness of the attack.
Emergency services included ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, incident response officers, and hazardous area response teams, indicating the complexity of the rescue operation.
How Have the Authorities Responded to the Incident?
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers from the Metropolitan Police’s Central Specialist Crime North unit addressed concerns by stating, “We understand this incident will cause concern within the community. My team of specialist detectives are working at speed to piece the incident together.” He reassured the public about the increased police presence and encouraged anyone with information to come forward via the police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Forensic officers examined the scene thoroughly, with a police cordon in place as investigators collected evidence, including a trail of apparent bloody footprints outside the restaurant.
What Are the Community’s Reactions to the Attack?
According to local businessman Sayed Bokhari, the restaurant’s manager was left deeply shaken, reportedly crying and extremely scared following the attack. Mr Bokhari described the attack as “a serious, dramatic thing” and likened it to “a scene from Halloween,” highlighting the shockwaves through the community.
He expressed concerns for local businesses, emphasising the vulnerability of retail stores that ordinarily welcome customers freely: “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… London is not such a fun place any more”.
Edward Thawe, a hospital porter living nearby, recounted how he was drawn outside by screams and his horror at the unfolding scene. Thawe expressed that witnessing the incident was deeply upsetting, a sentiment shared by many in the community affected by the violent act.
What Is Being Done to Find the Perpetrators?
Despite the distressing visuals and serious injuries, no arrests have yet been made. The cause is being investigated as arson by the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade. Detective Rogers emphasised the urgency in developing leads and said that specialist detectives are working “at speed” to bring those responsible to justice.
The police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact them immediately and are maintaining a significant presence in the area to reassure the local population.
How Has the Incident Impacted the Area?
The attack has cast a shadow over Ilford’s East London community. The violent nature of the firebombing threatens the sense of safety among residents and business owners alike. The incident came as a shock to the area, with many fearing for their security in public spaces, including local retail and dining establishments.
