‘Military-style’ masked gang fire-bombs restaurant near Beatles’ Abbey Road crossing as diners flee for their lives
A GANG said to be wearing military-style masks fire bombed a packed restaurant seeing terrified diners flee for their lives.
The group stormed the London restaurant, near the Beatles‘ Abbey Road crossing, with knives in hand around 10.30pm yesterday.
They reportedly hurled a lit petrol bomb inside Monak, a popular pan-Asian and sushi venue in St John’s Wood, seeing customers and staff frantically try to escape.
Footage shared online showed flames leaping from the building, with smoke billowing.
Emergency services raced to the scene, but the masked men had already fled.
Luckily no one was injured, but horrified onlookers told of the chaos they witnessed.
One resident told MyLondon: “I saw people screaming so something was going on. I thought it was teenagers having a Friday night brawl.
“Then I saw flames in the restaurant.”
They continued: “It could have been a murder enquiry. The restaurant looks like it will be out of action anyway because of significant fire damage.
“There were some people with masks and balaclavas, it was almost military style.
“I did speak to some of the diners. A woman said it was something to do with gasoline. Another said the fire almost got to his feet but he got out.”
Police confirmed a number of men ambushed the restaurant, threatening staff with knives before starting the fire.
They said they were still working to identify the gang, and that no one had been arrested yet.
The restaurant, which was destroyed by the fire, this afternoon opened up on social media about the “traumatic event”.
It wrote on Instagram: “We are devastated to announce that our restaurant has been affected by a fire. We are grateful for the efforts of the firefighters and the community for their support.
“We are working hard to get back on our feet and look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible. In the meantime, thank you for continuing to support us and following our rebuilding journey.’
The statement added: “We wanted to take a moment to address our customers who were present during the fire.
“We are sorry that you had to witness this traumatic event, but we are grateful for your safety and cooperation during the evacuation.
‘THREATENING STAFF WITH KNIVES’
“We are determined to rebuild our restaurant and continue to provide the food and experience that we know you love. Thank you for continuing to support us during this difficult time, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
“Thanks for our staff and security members who were present during the fire. Your professionalism and determination during this difficult situation were remarkable.
“We know that this has been a tough time for everyone, but your dedication to our business and community is truly appreciated. We look forward to working with you to rebuild our restaurant and continue to provide memorable experiences for our customers.
“Once again, thank you for your support and commitment.”
Met Police today said: “Police were called at around 10:30hrs on Friday, 28 April, to reports that a number of males had entered a restaurant in Abbey Road, NW8, threatening staff with knives and starting a fire.
“The males made off prior to the arrival of police. The fire was extinguished and there were no reported injuries.
“An investigation is underway to identify and arrest those responsible, led by dedicated detectives from Central West CID.
“This will include analysis of all available CCTV among other lines of inquiry. There has been no arrest at this stage.
“Anyone with information is asked to call 101, ref 7931/28apr, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers.”