Redbridge (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A 16-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of attempted murder following an alleged arson attack at an Indian restaurant in Redbridge.
At approximately 9 p.m. on August 22, three masked men entered Indian Aroma, which is located on Woodford Avenue in Gants Hill, Redbridge, while employees and patrons were inside, according to the prosecution.
According to testimony given in Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, gasoline was allegedly spilled all over the property before it caught fire.
The Metropolitan Police charged the 16-year-old Southwark minor with one count of conspiracy to commit arson intending to endanger life, and six counts of attempted murder.
Prosecutor Suleman Hussain stated, one man was left in a coma and suffered 53 burns and other serious life-altering injuries, while a woman was left with 58 burns to her face, arms, chest, and upper torso.
Another woman experienced issues with heat and smoke, and she sustained significant burns to her face and arms.
A woman suffered non-life-threatening burns to her face and arms, another man was brought to A&E, and one man was left with non-life-threatening but potentially life-altering injuries, according to Mr. Hussain.
Five people were rescued from the restaurant after firefighters destroyed a portion of the bottom level. According to the London Fire Brigade, nine others left earlier.
The fire was “like a scene from Halloween,” according to one witness.
In order to make his next appearance at the Old Bailey on October 6, the defendant was remanded to juvenile prison facilities.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a 56-year-old male who was detained on suspicion of arson with intent to harm life on August 24 was freed on bail.
The force also stated that two 16-year-old boys were freed on bail after being detained on September 5 on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
What is the potential effect of this incident on safety practices in local restaurants?
Restaurants may increase surveillance and have more CCTV cameras installed, more light around the establishment, or more security staff for the purpose of deterring crime and fires.
Staff members at restaurants should probably receive more training related to fire safety, emergency evacuation plans, and how to respond in a timely way after an incident, which may include who to contact to report suspicious activity or a fire that breaks out.
Fewer fire alarms, fire sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers might be installed and serviced, and the past assessments of fire risks may not be considered with an increased focus on education to highlight hazards.
Local businesses could enhance their methods of communicating with police and fire departments about actions customers have observed as suspicious behaviors, and reviewing greater public safety with other business owners’ type of activity.