Teen among two held for arson attack on Indian eatery in London

A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson on Sunday after an Indian restaurant in east London went up in flames, seriously injuring five people. The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to the Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford on Friday night.

Three women and two men, believed to be diners at the eatery, suffered burn injuries and were treated at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service before being taken to the hospital. Two of them — a man and a woman — remained in a life-threatening condition, the police said.

"While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening," said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers of the Met Police's Central Specialist Crime North unit. "I know the community members are concerned and shocked by this incident. I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and speak to police," he said. The suspects have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and remain in police custody. There was a large police presence in the Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, area of the restaurant over the weekend. "It is also believed there are two further victims who left the scene before officers arrived. Efforts remain ongoing to identify them," the police said.

The restaurant suffered extensive damage in the blaze, with neighbours recounting loud screams on Friday night.