An apparent arson attack on a restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford on Friday evening left five people rescued from the blaze, including a man and a woman with life-threatening injuries. Officers were called at about 9pm and London Fire Brigade firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued five people; nine others escaped before crews arrived. CCTV footage appeared to show masked individuals entering the restaurant and pouring liquid onto the floor before the premises was engulfed in flames. Detectives 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. Police are searching for two further potential victims and appealed for information as the Metropolitan Police investigation continues.
Officers were called to the restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill in Ilford on Friday at around 9pm. Five people were rescued from the blaze, which left a man and a woman with life-threatening injuries, according to police. Detectives arrested a 15-year-old boy and 54-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life on Sunday. They remain in police custody for questioning.
CCTV footage seen by the PA news agency of the incident appeared to show a group of people with their faces covered walk into the restaurant before pouring liquid on to the floor. Seconds later the restaurant was engulfed in flames, the agency said. Police also said they are searching for two further victims who they believe made off before officers arrived.
A forensic investigator at the restaurant in Ilford (Helen William/PA) (PA Wire) Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met's Central Specialist Crime North unit 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.
Collection
[
|
...
]