Two teenagers have been convicted of arson after setting fire to a busy Indian restaurant in east London. The two boys, both 17, were found guilty following a seven-week trial at the Old Bailey. They were also found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon.
Attack on Indian Aroma Restaurant
The court heard that the boys were armed with machetes when they stormed into Indian Aroma in Gants Hill at around 9pm on August 22, 2025. The restaurant was full of diners and a handful of staff at the time. One of the teenagers taunted innocent customers while the other stood with a taper and a lighter as petrol was poured over the floor, furniture, and people inside. The taper was then lit, igniting a fireball that quickly tore through the restaurant.
Injuries and Aftermath
Two people were left with critical burn injuries, while four others suffered severe injuries. The Metropolitan Police said that the motive of the attack remains unclear. Officers found footage which captured the suspects fleeing the scene before getting into a Toyota Prius. Within weeks, detectives had located the car, which had been stolen prior to the attack.
Evidence and Arrests
Police found evidence against the suspects in the vehicle, including the spout to one of the petrol canisters used in the incident, and mobile phones which helped to identify the suspects. The boys were arrested two weeks after the attack, and police recovered a pair of trainers and a balaclava which matched those seen on CCTV. The teenagers have been remanded and will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, October 2.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Emma Sharp, who led the investigation, said: “This group tried to outmanoeuvre the police and avoid the consequences of their pre-mediated 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.”
