A major investigation is underway after a fire tore through a restaurant in Gants Hill, leaving five people in hospital – three of them critically injured.
Emergency services were called to Indian Aroma on Woodford Avenue at around 9pm on Friday (22 August). Officers from the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, and London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued five people suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Two were taken to a major trauma centre while three were transported to local hospitals. Nine others managed to escape the building before the fire brigade arrived.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, from 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 London Fire Brigade confirmed the blaze damaged part of the restaurant’s ground floor. Seven emergency calls were received, prompting crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone and Woodford fire stations to attend. The fire was brought under control by 10.32pm.
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A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said:
“We treated five people for burns and smoke inhalation. We took two patients to a major trauma centre and three others to local hospitals.”
At this stage, no arrests have been made. Police and fire investigators are working together to determine the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101 quoting reference 7559/22AUG.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
