Two 17-year-olds jailed for 10 years for Gants Hill arson
Judge Michael Grieve KC described the attack at Indian Aroma as 'sophisticated and professional' and carried out with 'cold blood'.
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Two 17-year-old boys have been sentenced to 10 years in custody for their involvement in a serious arson attack at the Indian Aroma restaurant in Gants Hill. The incident, which occurred in August 2025, resulted in diners suffering severe burns and life-changing injuries.
The attack
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The two teenagers, armed with weapons resembling machetes, entered the restaurant on Woodford Avenue with a third individual. They proceeded to spread canisters of petrol across the floors and tables before one of them ignited the fuel, causing an explosion. The court heard that the doors were held shut during the ignition, trapping diners inside. Six London Fire Brigade vehicles attended the scene.
Victims' injuries
Diners present at the time of the attack suffered extensive injuries. One woman was placed in a medically induced coma after sustaining burns to 50% of her total body surface area, including full-thickness burns to 45%. Her husband suffered mixed-depth burns to over 51% of his body surface area. A statement from the man indicated he was in a coma for 45 days. Another victim described their life as having been "completely upended by 30 seconds of someone else’s violence."
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Court proceedings
The teenagers denied charges of arson with intent to endanger life and having a bladed article but were convicted following a six-week trial. On Friday, October 2, they were each given an extended sentence of 10 years in custody, with a further three-year extended period. His Honour Judge Michael Grieve KC described the attack as a "sophisticated and professional operation" carried out with "cold blood" and a "high degree" of planning. He stated the defendants were aware of the "almost inevitable consequences" of causing serious harm or death to strangers.
During sentencing, defence counsel for one teenager suggested the petrol was not deliberately poured on customers, and the fire was not lit while they were all seated. Counsel for the other teenager expressed remorse for the victims' injuries and stated his client hoped for an opportunity to build a different future.
Judge's findings
Judge Grieve indicated his belief that the teenagers were acting under the direction of an older, unidentified criminal. He noted that while they denied the charges, they carried out the operation with a lack of emotion. The judge emphasised the agonising and life-changing injuries suffered by the victims, stating the outcome could have been worse.
What happens next
The two 17-year-old boys will serve 10 years in custody. The third accomplice was not involved in the trial or sentencing hearing.
Questions this report answers
+Why were the teenagers jailed?
The teenagers were jailed for 10 years each for their role in a sophisticated arson attack at the Indian Aroma restaurant in Gants Hill in August 2025. They were convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and having a bladed article after the attack caused severe injuries to diners.
+What happened during the attack?
Two 17-year-old boys entered the Indian Aroma restaurant with machete-like weapons, spread petrol around the premises, and ignited it, causing an explosion. Diners were trapped inside and suffered severe burns and injuries.
+How badly were the victims injured?
One woman suffered burns to 50% of her body surface area, including full-thickness burns to 45%, and was placed in a medically induced coma. Her husband sustained mixed-depth burns to over 51% of his body surface area.
+Did the judge believe the teenagers acted alone?
No, Judge Michael Grieve KC stated he had no doubt the teenagers were carrying out the operation on the direction of an older, more experienced criminal who has not yet been identified.
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