Ilford restaurant set on fire in 'arson attack' with three raced to hospital

Three people have been rushed to hospital after a suspected arson attack at a restaurant in Ilford.

Five people - three women and two men - were injured after a fire broke out at a restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, after 9pm on Friday. They were treated by emergency services who rushed to the scene but three were taken to hospital and are in a life-threatening condition. The Metropolitan Police said no arrests have been made but said they are investigating the blaze as a suspected arson attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit, 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.

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"Locals can expect to see a large police presence in the area. If you have any concerns, please speak to those officers on the ground."

Part of the restaurant's ground floor was damaged in the fire and nine people inside the building were able to escape before the blaze picked up, according to the London Fire Brigade.

The LFB said: "The brigade's control officers received seven calls about the fire and mobilised crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone and Woodford fire stations to the scene. The fire was extinguished by 10.32pm."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is the MP for the local area, thanks the police, fire brigade and ambulance service for their work at the restaurant on Friday night.

The Met Police have urged anybody with information to contact cops via 101, quoting 7559/22AUG. People who wish to remain anonymous can speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.