A 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a fire at the Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford. The incident occurred on Friday night, around 9pm, when emergency services were alerted to the blaze on Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill.

The London Fire Brigade reported that part of the restaurant's ground floor was damaged. Fortunately, nine people managed to escape before the fire intensified. However, five individuals, including three women and two men, sustained injuries. Among them, a man and a woman are currently in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

Authorities believe there are two additional victims who left the scene prior to the arrival of police. Efforts are ongoing to identify these individuals. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the two suspects were taken into custody on Sunday.

The fire brigade received seven calls regarding the incident and dispatched crews from Ilford, Hainault, Leytonstone, and Woodford fire stations. The fire was extinguished by 10.32pm.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the local MP, expressed gratitude to the police, fire brigade, and ambulance service for their prompt response. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers from the Met's Central Specialist Crime North unit acknowledged the community's concerns and assured that a team of specialist detectives is working diligently to investigate the incident. He added that residents can expect a significant police presence in the area and encouraged anyone with concerns to approach officers on the ground.

The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information to contact them via 101, quoting reference number 7559/22AUG. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.