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Arson Attack at Indian Aroma in Ilford: Forensics Examine the Scene
Night of the Incident
On Friday evening, 22 August 2025, around 9 pm, a fire broke out at Indian Aroma, a restaurant situated on Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill, Ilford. A chilling CCTV sequence reportedly shows individuals entering the premises wearing face coverings, pouring a liquid across the floor, and triggering a rapid ignition that engulfed the interior in flames within seconds.
Emergency Response and Casualties
London Fire Brigade responded swiftly, extinguishing the blaze by approximately 10:32 pm. Firefighters rescued five individuals from inside, while nine others managed to escape before the fire took hold.
Five people—three women and two men, all presumed diners—sustained burn injuries and smoke inhalation. They received immediate treatment from London Ambulance Service. Two were taken to a major trauma centre, while three were transported to nearby hospitals.
Tragically, three of the injured were initially reported to be in life-threatening condition, with at least two—one man and one woman—remaining critical as of the latest updates.
Forensic Investigation Underway
Police established a substantial cordon stretching from the restaurant entrance out onto the pavement, with uniformed officers ensuring the integrity of the scene as forensic specialists in protective gear took over.   Noteworthy evidence includes what appeared to be bloodstained footprints tracked along the pavement and items meticulously collected in clear plastic carrier bags.
Arrests Made, Investigation Continues
By Sunday, two suspects were in police custody—a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man—arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
The Metropolitan Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing “at pace,” with detectives working swiftly to establish the motive, sequence of events, and whether there are any further cases linked to this incident.
Authorities continue to search for two additional victims believed to have fled the scene before emergency services arrived. Community members and witnesses have been urged to come forward with any information.
Community Impact
Local residents described the scene as resembling a “Halloween horror,” with one witness observing a man running from the restaurant engulfed in flames. The trauma extended beyond the victims, affecting neighbours, nearby businesses, and diners who witnessed the event or were forced to evacuate under terrifying circumstances.
Emergency services—including the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service—have received widespread praise for their rapid and coordinated response.    Still, the incident has deeply rattled the Ilford community, prompting appeals for vigilance and cooperation in the ongoing investigation.
Next Steps
• Forensic analysis continues at the scene, with officers combing through physical evidence to reconstruct the precise sequence of events and identify potential perpetrators.
Attached is a news article regarding forensics in place after suspected arson attack on Indian restaurant in ilford
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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