Boy and man arrested over Gants Hill restaurant 'arson attack'

Boy and man arrested over Gants Hill restaurant 'arson attack'

At least five individuals were injured in an apparent arson attack at a restaurant in east London, resulting in two individuals remaining in critical condition in a local hospital. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man on suspicion of arson intended to endanger life following the blaze at a venue on Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill, Ilford. The fire took approximately 90 minutes to extinguish after igniting around 9:00 PM BST, with emergency services responding to the scene to treat the injured victims.

Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of severely burned individuals, with one local resident describing an injured man with extensive burns across his body. Another witness mentioned seeing three severely injured individuals receiving aid from emergency responders, including oxygen assistance. In addition to the five victims treated at the site, authorities believe that two more individuals sustained injuries but left before paramedics arrived, leading to efforts to identify and locate them. Fortunately, nine individuals managed to evacuate the premises before the arrival of emergency services.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers emphasized the ongoing investigation to uncover the events surrounding the arson attack, reassuring the community of law enforcement’s commitment to resolving the case swiftly. While the two arrested individuals are currently in police custody, authorities urge anyone with relevant information or concerns to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community expressed shock and concern over the incident, prompting a call for cooperation with law enforcement in providing details that could aid in understanding the events of that fateful Friday evening

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