A suspected arson occurred at a restaurant on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, at about 9pm on Friday. Firefighters rescued five people after part of the ground floor was damaged, while nine others evacuated beforehand. Five people were injured, three in a life-threatening condition, and were treated for burns and smoke inhalation before transfer to hospital. Crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone and Woodford stations extinguished the fire by 10.32pm. The London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police are investigating, with specialist detectives deployed and a large police presence in the area. Witnesses should contact the Met via 101 quoting 7559/22AUG or Crimestoppers anonymously.
Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to the scene in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, at about 9pm on Friday. Firefighters rescued five people from the restaurant after part of the ground floor was damaged, with nine others able to get out beforehand, London fire brigade said. A total of five people were injured, with three of them in a life-threatening state, the Metropolitan police said.
DCI Mark Rogers, of the Met's central specialist crime north unit, said: We understand this incident will cause concern within the community. My team of specialist detectives are working at speed to piece the incident together. Locals can expect to see a large police presence in the area. If you have any concerns, please speak to those officers on the ground.
The health secretary, Wes Streeting, the MP for Ilford North, posted on X: Huge thanks to @metpoliceuk @LondonFire @Ldn_Ambulance for their response to a serious incident on Gants Hill/Woodford Avenue this evening. Please avoid the area for now. Further updates will follow from @RedbridgeLive and emergency services. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101, quoting 7559/22AUG. Those who wish to remain anonymous can speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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