The 17-year-olds were convicted over a planned petrol attack at Indian Aroma in Gants Hill that left diners with severe, life-changing burns
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Two 17-year-old boys have each been sentenced to 10 years in prison for their role in a planned arson attack on an Indian restaurant in east London that left several diners with serious and life-changing injuries.
The attack took place on August 22, 2025, at Indian Aroma in Gants Hill. The teenagers, who were armed with machetes or similar bladed weapons, entered the restaurant with a third person while customers were dining inside.
Prosecutors told the Old Bailey that the two teenagers controlled the entrance and threatened customers, while the third attacker poured petrol across the floor, tables and chairs. The group then moved outside and largely closed the door before setting the fuel alight, causing an explosion and fire.
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The court heard that eight customers were inside at the time. Several suffered severe burns
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A woman sustained burns over about half of her body, including extensive full-thickness burns, and was placed in a medically induced coma
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Her husband, who was seen running from the restaurant while on fire, suffered burns across more than half of his body and later said he regained consciousness 45 days after the incident
Sentencing the teenagers, Judge Michael Grieve KC described the attack as a highly planned and sophisticated operation. He said the pair understood that their actions could cause serious injury or death to people they did not know.
The judge also said he believed the teenagers had been acting on the instructions of an older and more experienced criminal, who has not been identified. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
The teenagers were convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and possessing bladed articles following a trial. Because they were under 18 at the time of the proceedings, they cannot be named.
Indian Aroma has since permanently closed.
