An improvised explosive device was set off inside a Mississauga restaurant Thursday night, while two private birthday parties were taking place.
15 people were injured at the Bombay Bhel restaurant in the area of Hurontario st. and Eglinton ave.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and to their families. We know this is an extremely difficult time for them,” said Chief Jennifer Evans at a news conference. “I want the community to know that every available police resource is being used to locate the people responsible for this horrendous act.
The fifteen people were taken to hospital but all have now been released from hospital.
Peel police say they don’t know if the explosion was targeted at the people celebrating but said the incident is not believed to be a hate crime or an act of terrorism.
Peel Police are looking for two suspects believed to be involved. Both men were seen entering the restaurant with an improvised explosive device and seen fleeing eastbound on foot immediately following the explosion.
The first man is described as 5’10’’- 6’0’’ ft, stocky build, mid-20’s, light skin, wearing dark blue jeans, dark-coloured zip-up hoodie pulled over his head, baseball cap with a light grey peak and his face covered with dark material.
The second man is described as 5’9’’- 5’10’’ ft, fair skin, thin build, wearing faded blue jeans, dark zip-up hoodie with a brass coloured zipper and the hood pulled over his head, grey t-shirt, dark coloured skate shoes and his face covered with dark material.
The investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying these individuals. They are looking to speak to anyone who may have been in the restaurant or in the area at the time of the incident, or anyone who has dash-cam or other video that may help the investigation. Please call Peel police criminal investigation bureau at 905-453-2121 ext 1233 or leave a tip at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS.
