Two teenagers have been found guilty of arson with intent to endanger life after they burst into a restaurant, poured petrol on diners, and set the eatery on fire. The pair, both 17, were convicted at the Old Bailey following a seven-week trial for the attack on Indian Aroma in Ilford on August 22 last year.
Attack Details
The teenagers stormed the bustling venue while it was filled with customers and staff. The jury heard that one teenager taunted innocent customers with a large machete while his accomplice, also armed, poured petrol over the floor, furniture, and diners. Once the surfaces were doused, the teenagers lit a taper, igniting a fireball that ripped through the establishment. One witness saw a man whose whole body was burnt and skin was ‘peeling off’.
Injuries and Aftermath
Two people were left with critical burn injuries and multiple others suffered severe injuries. The 17-year-old defendants fled the scene before getting away in a nearby Toyota Prius. The car had driven to and from Peckham on the evening of the attack, and one of the teenagers had stolen several litres of petrol from a petrol station in Barkingside.
Investigation and Conviction
Detectives eventually located the Prius, which had been stolen before the attack, as well as their mobile phones, which helped officers identify the suspects. The teenagers were found guilty today at the end of a seven-week trial at the Old Bailey. They were also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon. The motive for their attack in Gants Hill, Ilford, is unclear. They were remanded and will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 October.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Emma Sharp, who led the Met Police’s investigation, said: ‘This group tried to outmanoeuvre the police and avoid the consequences of their pre-meditated violence, but today’s outcome showcases that our detectives can unravel multifaceted incidents to secure justice and take dangerous offenders off our streets. The August attack impacted dozens of innocent people, and I’d like to thank the victims and witnesses for their steadfast resilience since the incident, and throughout the trial.’
