Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy and 54-year-old man on suspicion of carrying out an arson attack at a restaurant in east London.
Officers were called to the Indian Aroma on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, around 9pm on Friday, August 22.
Five people – three women and two men – were injured in the suspected attack.
In an update on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police said two remained in a life-threatening condition.
CCTV footage from inside the restaurant showed a group of men with their faces obscured entering the Indian Aroma restaurant and appearing to pour liquid before flames erupt.
The video shows a person partly on fire running from the restaurant into the street.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit said: “While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening.
“I know the community are concerned and shocked by this incident. I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and speak to police.”
Following the fire on Friday night, a large part of the ground floor was damaged and London Fire Brigade crews rescued five people from the restaurant. Nine others are said to have escaped with just seconds to spare.
Sayed Bokhari, 39, said he had spoken to the manager of the restaurant, who was “really crying” and “very shocked”.
Mr Bokhari who has run a business in the area for 15 years, spoke of his worries for the neighbourhood, adding: “It is scary because we run retail stores which are welcoming customers in.
“The doors are open like the doors of your house. We cannot body check everyone to see if they are safe. There is only so much that high street security can do.
“It is scary. You are worried for people. You are worried about your business. London is not such a fun place any more.”
Hospital porter Edward Thawe, 43, stepped outside his nearby home with his 12-year-old son to see if he could help after hearing screaming.
He said he saw a man whose “whole body was burnt”, including his shirt, but he was still wearing his trousers.
Another Ilford resident, who did not want to give his name, said he heard screams and sirens in the street. He described seeing three “severely burned” people being tended to, adding: “I can only imagine the pain they were going through.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Met via 101, quoting 7559/22AUG. If you wish to remain anonymous, please speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
