A suspected arson attack on a restaurant
in East London has left five people
injured, including three in a
life-threatening condition. Footage
shows the moment a man runs out of the
building on fire. Our correspondent
Shiman Freeman Pal reports. And a
warning, this story contains some images
you may find distressing.
There was little time to react. CCTV
capturing the moment diners in Ilford
became the victims of a suspected arson
attack.
They watch on as it appears that three
men walk into this restaurant carrying
petrol cans before pouring liquid on the
floor and setting the place al light.
The men are then captured on CCTV
running from a plume of smoke.
Moments later, a victim emerges onto the
street engulfed in flames, frantically
trying to stop the fire from consuming
them.
Police and firefighters were called to
the scene in Gance Hill at around 900
p.m. Crews rescued five people from
inside the restaurant while nine others
managed to escape the blaze before
firefighters arrived. Five people were
taken to hospital and police have
confirmed three of them remain in
life-threatening conditions.
The attack has left local residents
stunned, many of whom rushed onto the
street in a desperate attempt to help.
>> I never seen anything like that to be
honest. We have small burgies or
something gets stolen or bikes and
scooters and things and that or maybe
few fights, but we never seen something
that serious happening in this area.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is Ilford
North's local MP and posted on X to
thank the emergency services for their
response to a serious incident before
advising people to avoid the area.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police
said, "We understand this incident will
cause concern within the community. My
team of specialist detectives are
working at speed to piece the incident
together.
No arrests have been made, but a major
investigation is now underway, and a
police presence will remain to reassure
the community, many of whom will be
shaken and eager for answers.
Shaman Freeman Powell, Sky News.