Two teenagers have been found guilty of bursting into a restaurant, dousing customers with petrol, and setting them on fire, leaving two people with life-threatening injuries. The attack occurred on August 22 last year at Indian Aroma in Gants Hill, East London.
Attack Details
Both 17-year-old attackers, who cannot be named due to their age, were captured on CCTV at 7:07pm making their way to Barkingside, where they left a stolen Toyota Prius. Footage shows one youth exiting the vehicle and stealing several litres of petrol in containers. They then drove to the restaurant carrying machetes.
One teenager, wielding a large machete, tormented diners as his accomplice, also armed with a machete, stood ready with a lighter while petrol was splashed across the floor, furnishings, and patrons. After saturating the surfaces, the teenager ignited the taper, sparking a fireball that rapidly tore through the premises. Two individuals sustained life-threatening burn wounds, and numerous others suffered serious injuries. The youths fled before emergency services arrived.
Investigation and Arrest
Investigators gathered footage showing the suspects escaping and jumping into a nearby Toyota Prius. By tracking the vehicle through CCTV, traffic cameras, and ANPR records, detectives compiled a timeline revealing the car journeying to and from Peckham that evening. The vehicle left south London at 7:07pm, proceeded to Barkingside, and parked near a supermarket, where one defendant stole petrol. The teens were apprehended two weeks after the attack.
The jury was told the pair were part of a group intent on inflicting serious harm in Gants Hill, Ilford. The motive remains unclear.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following a seven-week trial, both teenagers were convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon. They have been remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced on October 2.
Detective Inspector Emma Sharp, who led the investigation, said: "This group tried to outmanoeuvre the police and avoid the consequences of their premeditated 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."
