Indian restaurant arson in London leaves five injured, teen and man arrested

A fire tore through Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford, east London, injuring five people, two critically. A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Firefighters battled the blaze for 90 minutes as police launched an urgent investigation.

A suspected arson attack at Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford, east London, left five people injured, two critically, on Friday evening. Police arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both remain in custody.

The blaze broke out around 9 p.m., engulfing the building in flames. Firefighters took 90 minutes to bring it under control. Witnesses described horrifying scenes, including a man running while on fire and several customers suffering severe burns.

Three women and two men were hospitalized, with police later confirming that a man and a woman remain in life-threatening condition. Authorities believe two additional victims may have been injured but left before emergency services arrived. Nine others managed to escape safely.

Local residents recounted the chaos, with some rushing to help victims before emergency crews arrived. The Metropolitan Police said investigations are ongoing, urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers acknowledged community concerns, stressing that officers are working quickly to determine the circumstances behind the incident.