Three people are in a life-threatening condition after a suspected arson attack at a restaurant in Ilford, say police.
Five people – three women and two men – were injured in the fire, which broke out shortly after 9pm on Friday on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill.
After being treated at the scene by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, the victims were taken to hospital.
No arrests have been made.
Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire, and nine others were able to get out beforehand, London Fire Brigade (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,” said an LFB spokesperson.
“We understand this incident will cause concern within the community. My team of specialist detectives are working at speed to piece the incident together,” said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, of the Met’s Central Specialist Crime North unit.
“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.”
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The London Ambulance Service told Sky News: “We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer and paramedics from our hazardous area response team.
“We treated five people for burns and smoke inhalation. We took two patients to a major trauma centre and three others to local hospitals.”
Health secretary Wes Streeting, who is the MP for Ilford North, posted on X to thank the emergency services for their response to the fire.
He also asked his constituents to “please avoid the area for now”.
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.
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