Key Points
- A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
- The incident took place at Indian Aroma restaurant on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, London.
- Five people were hospitalised, three women and two men, with two victims — a man and a woman — in life-threatening condition.
- Emergency services responded to a fire reported around 9 pm on Friday, 22 August 2025.
- CCTV footage reportedly showed individuals with covered faces pouring liquid inside the restaurant before the fire started.
- Police believe two additional victims left the scene before officers arrived.
- Investigation is ongoing, with detectives urging anyone with information to come forward.
- London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police were actively involved in rescue and fire suppression efforts.
- Health Secretary and Ilford North MP, Wes Streeting, publicly thanked emergency services for their response.
What Happened During the Gants Hill Restaurant Fire?
According to The Independent’s reporter, the suspected arson attack occurred on Friday evening at approximately 9 pm at the Indian Aroma restaurant located on Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill, Ilford, East London. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze, which resulted in five people being rescued and hospitalised with serious injuries.
The London Fire Brigade confirmed that firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued five individuals from the ground floor of the restaurant. London Ambulance Service transported the injured to hospital, with two victims remaining in life-threatening conditions. In addition, it was reported that approximately nine other people managed to leave the restaurant before the fire brigade arrived.
The fire was extinguished around 10:32 pm after crews from multiple fire stations — Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone, and Woodford — responded swiftly to multiple calls reporting the incident.
CCTV footage obtained by the Press Association and referenced by The Independent showed a group of people, their faces concealed, entering the restaurant and pouring a liquid onto the floor just moments before the fire broke out. This led police to believe the fire was deliberately set.
Who Has Been Arrested in Connection with the Arson Attack?
The Metropolitan Police announced the arrest of two suspects: a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man. As reported by the BBC News, both individuals were taken into custody on Sunday, 24 August 2025, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in police custody for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit, quoted by the Met Police News, 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.”
Police further believe that there are two other victims who left the scene before emergency services arrived, and efforts are ongoing to identify and locate them.
What Response Did Emergency Services Provide?
London Fire Brigade spokesperson outlined the rapid mobilisation of fire units following seven emergency calls about the fire. They deployed crews from nearby fire stations who managed to put out the blaze within approximately 90 minutes.
Five people were rescued from the restaurant, while nine others evacuated before firefighters arrived. The brigade also noted damage primarily to the ground floor of the establishment.
The Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade jointly oversee the investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
How Has the Community and Officials Reacted to the Incident?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is also Member of Parliament for Ilford North, publicly acknowledged and thanked emergency service teams via his social media post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting their swift and effective response to the incident in Gants Hill.
He wrote:
“Huge thanks to @metpoliceuk @LondonFire @Ldn_Ambulance for their response to a serious incident on Gants Hill/Woodford Avenue this evening.”
Members of the local community have expressed shock and concern following the severe arson attack on a popular restaurant, calling for vigilance and cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
What Is the Status of the Investigation?
The Metropolitan Police emphasised the ongoing nature of the investigation. Detectives are gathering evidence and trying to establish the full circumstances leading to the fire. They continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to assist in bringing clarity to the case.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police via phone at 101, quoting the reference number 7559/22AUG. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
