Two individuals are in police custody following a major fire that ripped through a popular restaurant in East London, in what investigators are treating as a deliberate act of arson.
The blaze erupted at the Indian Aroma restaurant on Clements Road, Ilford, in the early hours of Thursday morning, sending plumes of thick smoke into the night sky and drawing a massive emergency service response.
Emergency Services Scramble to the Scene
London Fire Brigade dispatched a significant force to tackle the inferno, with eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters from surrounding stations including Ilford, Barking, and East Ham rushing to the scene. Crews worked tirelessly to bring the fierce flames under control.
A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed the severity of the incident, stating the ground floor and first floor of the two-storey building were severely damaged by the fire.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests
The Metropolitan Police moved quickly, opening an investigation and subsequently arresting two people on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Both individuals were taken to a local police station for questioning.
While the investigation is in its early stages, authorities have confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the fire at this time.
Community and Impact
Thankfully, there have been no reports of any injuries to members of the public or firefighters. The incident has, however, sent shockwaves through the local Ilford community.
The road was closed for several hours to allow emergency crews to operate safely and for investigators to begin their work examining the cause of the devastating blaze.
