17 September 2025 , 20:38
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A second teenager has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged arson attack at an Indian restaurant in east London.
Staff and customers were inside Indian Aroma in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, at around 9pm on August 22 when three masked men walked in the entrance, prosecutors said.
Petrol was allegedly poured around the premises before it was engulfed in flames, injuring six victims, Croydon Magistrates’ Court previously heard.
A second 16-year-old boy has now been charged with six counts of attempted murder as well as arson with intent to endanger life, the Met Police said.
He has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
It comes after another teenager was charged with attempted murder earlier this month.
Two victims remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries following the blaze.
At a previous hearing prosecutors explained a woman was left with 58 burns covering her upper torso, chest, both arms and face, while a man was left in a coma having suffered 53 burns and life-changing injuries.
Another woman has severe burns to her arms and face and suffered difficulties with smoke and heat.
One man was left with non-life-threatening but potentially life-changing injuries, a woman sustained non-life-threatening burns to her arms and face and another male was taken to A&E.
Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire, and crews rescued five people from the restaurant. Nine others got out beforehand, London Fire Brigade said.
The second teenage suspect was arrested on Tuesday and will appear at Barkingside Juvenile Court on Wednesday.
A 56-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life on Sunday August 24. He was later released on bail.
Two 16-year-old boys were also arrested on September 5 on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They were later released on bail.
Technology & Business Editor