Indian Restaurant ‘Arson Attacked’ in East London ‘Arson Attacked’ in East London, Five Injured, Teen Among Arrested
A bustling Friday night at a popular Indian restaurant in east London turned into chaos after the venue was allegedly arson attacked.
Emergency crews rushed to Indian Aroma on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, Ilford, after flames tore through the premises. The fire broke out just after dusk, sending shockwaves across the neighbourhood.
Five people were rushed to the hospital. Three women and two men. Among them, a man and a woman remain in critical condition.
Police confirmed the blaze was being treated as a suspected arson attack.
Detectives wasted no time. Two people were arrested. A 15-year-old boy. A 54-year-old man. Both were taken into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
“Two suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident. These include a 15-year-old boy and 54-year-old man, who were eventually taken into custody on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life,” a spokesperson confirmed.
Local residents described panic as smoke billowed out of the restaurant. Families living nearby watched as firefighters battled the blaze into the night. For many, the Indian Aroma had been a familiar meeting spot.
“It’s frightening… you don’t expect this on your doorstep,” one neighbour said.
Specialist officers remain on site. Forensics teams are combing through the wreckage to establish how the fire started. Authorities are also appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV footage.
Friday, August 22, an arson attack at Ilford’s Indian Aroma restaurant injured five—three critically—when masked perpetrators doused the floor with flammable liquid and ignited it. No arrests yet.
I wouldn’t want an Indian restaurant in my neighborhood. ♂️. pic.twitter.com/ogBuTN7OK5
— χάος Khaos (@9berserkr) August 24, 2025
Earlier coverage of the Ilford restaurant fire noted that three victims were initially described as being in critical condition following the suspected arson.
The Metropolitan Police added: “We’re urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area to come forward.”
This was a UK-based incident, right at the heart of east London. The case has already stirred conversations around public safety, youth crime, and the resilience of London’s multicultural communities.
