Former boss of Poulton restaurant torched venue in revenge

Fakhrul Islam torched the Seventy One Indian in Breck Road, Poulton, in the early hours of December 8, 2024, causing extensive damage to the business and causing it to close its doors until this week.

Fakhrul Islam (Image: Lancashire Police)

While the restaurant was closed and empty at the time, staff members from the restaurant and another family who lived above had to be helped by quick-thinking staff from the nearby Cube nightclub, who heard the alarms go off, spotted the flames and raced to the rescue.

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Islam, who wore a blonde wig to try to disguise himself, was tracked down following an investigation which tracked his movements on the night through CCTV and vehicle movements.

Seventy One, Breck Road, Poulton (Image: Lancashire Police)

Despite him initially denying the offence, claiming he was driving around as part of his work as a taxi driver, Islam pleaded guilty to arson in the face of the evidence compiled.

The 37-year-old, of Hemingway, Blackpool, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court earlier this week to seven years and six months in prison.

During sentencing, the Judge described the incident as a revenge attack motivated by ill feelings between Islam and the restaurant’s new owners.

Seventy One, Breck Road, Poulton (Image: Lancashire Police)

DC Alexa Taylor, of Blackpool CID, said: “I welcome this sentence, which reflects the gravity and reckless disregard for life that Islam showed that morning when he carried out this arson attack.

“I would also like to thank and acknowledge the heroic actions of the staff members from the Cube whose selfless and courageous intervention undoubtedly saved many lives during this incident.”