A major crime scene has been declared in Ilford after a restaurant was petrol bombed, leaving five people injured.
Emergency services rushed to Woodford Avenue at around 9.04pm on Friday (22 August) following reports of a fire at the Indian Arma restaurant.
Five people injured
London Ambulance Service confirmed that five people were treated for burns and smoke inhalation at the scene.
A spokesperson said:
“We were called at 9.04pm today (22 August) to reports of a fire on Woodford Avenue, Ilford.
“We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer and paramedics from our hazardous area response team. We also dispatched a trauma team in a car from London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated five people for burns and smoke inhalation. We took two patients to a major trauma centre and three others to local hospitals.”
Manhunt launched
Detectives have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that the blaze is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life.
The area around the restaurant has been sealed off with a large cordon, as forensic teams and fire investigators work through the night.
Residents reported hearing a “loud bang” followed by scenes of panic as staff and diners tried to flee the smoke-filled restaurant.
Police appeal
The Met source said:
“This was a reckless and deliberate attack that has left several people seriously injured. We are conducting urgent enquiries to trace those responsible and ask anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and officers have appealed to motorists with dashcam recordings to check their footage around the time of the attack.
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