Terrified diners flee for their lives as ‘military-style’ masked gang armed with knives set fire to fashionable London restaurant just yards from the Beatles’ famous Abbey Road zebra crossing
- A group of males broke into the restaurant armed with knives and set it on fire
- Did you witness last night’s attack on Monak? Email [email protected]
Panicked diners are said to have fled a restaurant on London’s fashionable Abbey Road on Friday night after a masked gang armed with knives entered and set it on fire.
Police were called to Monak, a popular pan-Asian and Sushi venue in St John’s Wood, at around 10.30pm last night, with officers and firefighters with the London Fire Brigade rushing to the scene.
The restaurant confirmed the incident on Instagram this morning as it thanked its customers and staff for their composure during the attack.
Police said a group of armed males entered the venue and began threatening staff with knives. Forensics officers have been pictured at the scene on Saturday, but no arrests have yet been made.
The fire was swiftly extinguished and no injuries were reported during the incident.
Did you witness last night’s attack? Email [email protected] or [email protected]
Police were called to Monak, a popular pan-Asian and Sushi venue in St John’s Wood, at around 10.30pm last night
The masked gang held knives and set fire to the interior of the popular Asian restaurant
A forensic officer examines broken glass on the floor as police begin their investigation
Eyewitnesses told how the ‘military-style’ gang left people screaming as they ran away with some only narrowly avoiding the flames.
One local 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.’
Some witnesses also reported the incident, which took place just metres away from the Beatles’ famous zebra crossing, on social media.
One simply wrote: ‘Abbey Road is on fire’.
The restaurant released a statement on its social media this afternoon: ‘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.
‘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.’
The exterior of the restaurant has been damaged with multiple windows broken
A fire extinguisher is seen lying on the ground as forensic officers comb the scene
The scene on Abbey Road this morning was calm, but the perpetrators have not yet been found
A police spokesperson 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 under way 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 7931/18apr, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers.’
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