Overview
- On 22 August 2025 the pair entered Indian Aroma in Gants Hill, poured petrol across the floor, furniture and diners, then ignited a taper producing a fireball that left two people with critical burns and several others severely injured.
- Detectives tracked a stolen Toyota Prius by CCTV and ANPR from Peckham to Barkingside and filmed one youth stealing petrol at a station, evidence that led to arrests two weeks after the attack.
- Police recovered mobile phones, a petrol-can spout, clothing that matched CCTV and a balaclava from the vehicle, and those items were central to the prosecution at the seven-week Old Bailey trial.
- A jury found both 17-year-olds guilty of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon; they remain remanded and are due to be sentenced on 2 October 2026.
- Police described the attack as premeditated and said the pair were part of a group that set out to cause harm, while victims and the local community continue to deal with serious physical and psychological impacts.