Two 17-year-olds were sentenced after a planned petrol attack at an east London restaurant left diners with severe, life-changing burns
Two 17-year-old boys have been sentenced to 10 years in custody for their role in a planned arson attack on an Indian restaurant in east London that left several diners with serious burns.
The teenagers, who cannot be named because of their age, were sentenced at the Old Bailey after being convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and possessing a bladed article. They were also given a further three-year extended period under licence conditions.
The attack took place on August 22, 2025, at Indian Aroma in Gants Hill, while eight customers were dining. The court heard that the teenagers entered the restaurant armed with machete-like weapons and helped control the entrance while a third person poured petrol over the floor, tables and furniture.
-
The attackers then withdrew and held the door mostly shut before igniting the fuel, causing an explosion
-
They fled in a stolen car as emergency services responded to the blaze.
Judge Michael Grieve KC described the attack as highly planned and carried out in cold blood. He said the teenagers understood that their actions could cause serious injury or death to people who were complete strangers to them.
The consequences for diners were severe. One woman suffered burns to about half of her body, including extensive full-thickness burns, and was placed in a medically induced coma after her clothes melted into her skin. Her husband suffered burns across more than half of his body and was seen running from the restaurant while on fire.
The court heard that the attack had been carefully organised, with those involved assigned separate roles. The motive remains unclear, while the third person involved was not part of the trial or sentencing hearing.
The Indian Aroma restaurant has since permanently closed.
