Teenager charged with arson over Gants Hill restaurant fire

A 16-year-old boy has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into an arson incident at a restaurant in Gants Hill.

Officers were called to the property on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill on Friday, 22 August, at around 21:00hrs following reports of a fire.

Six victims – three women and three men – were injured in the incident. Two of them – a man and a woman – remain in hospital with life-changing injuries.

Following an arrest made on Tuesday, 16 September, a 16-year-old boy has been charged with six counts of attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon.

He will appear at Barkingside Juvenile Court on Wednesday, 17 September.

Another 16-year-old boy has previously been charged with attempted murder in connection with this investigation.

A 56-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life on Sunday, 24 August. He was later released on bail.

Two 16-year-old boys were arrested on Friday, 5 September on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life. They were later released on bail.

Enquiries remain ongoing and 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.