VOI World/ Desk
Two 17-year-old teenagers have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for their role in a planned arson attack on an Indian restaurant in London that left diners with severe and life-changing burns.
The London Indian restaurant arson took place at Indian Aroma in Gants Hill, east London, on August 22, 2025. The teenagers, who cannot be named because of their age, stormed the restaurant with a third accomplice while customers were dining.
The court heard that the pair were armed with large knives and swords and forced diners to remain inside. Their accomplice poured petrol across the floor, tables, furniture and chairs, while the teenagers controlled the entrance.
The attackers then left the building and held the door mostly shut before one of them ignited a taper, triggering a fireball inside the restaurant.
Several diners suffered serious injuries. A woman in her 20s sustained burns across around half of her body, with her clothes melting into her skin, and was placed in a medically induced coma. Her husband suffered burns across 51% of his body and later told the court that he woke up 45 days after the attack.
The teenagers were convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article following a seven-week trial.
Sentencing them at the Old Bailey, Judge Michael Grieve KC described the attack as a sophisticated and professionally planned operation. He said the teenagers understood that their actions could cause serious harm or death to people they did not know.
The court also heard that the pair may have been acting under the direction of an older and more experienced criminal, who has not been identified. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Indian Aroma has since permanently closed.
