Boy, 15, and man held over restaurant 'arson attack'

A teenage boy and a man have been arrested after a suspected arson attack at an east London restaurant left at least five people injured.

Three women and two men were taken to hospital when a blaze ripped through the venue in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, on Friday evening.

The Met Police said a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to danger life.

It added that two of the victims - a man and a woman - remained in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

In addition to the five people treated at the scene, the Met said it believed another two people had been injured but left before emergency services arrived.

It said efforts were being made to identify them.

Det Ch Insp Mark Rogers said: "While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening.

"I know the community are concerned and shocked by this incident. I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and speak to police."

The two people arrested remain in police custody.