More than 20 people were left injured at Heathrow Airport this morning after an alleged assault in which a form of pepper spray is believed to have been used
As many as 21 people were hurt in an incident at Heathrow Airport, as police believe a “form of pepper spray” was used.
Chaos descended on Europe’s biggest transport hub this morning, with armed police filmed searching vehicles at a multi-storey car park by Terminal 3. Trains were also halted while people on social media told of coughing and eye irritation.
The Metropolitan Police has now confirmed it believes a “form of pepper spray” was used with “multiple people being assaulted”. A person has been arrested and is in custody.
A statement from the force read: “Police are in attendance at Heathrow Airport while we investigate the circumstances around the assault of a number of people this morning. Officers were called at 08:11hrs to a multi-storey car park at Terminal 3 following reports of multiple people being assaulted.
“A number of people were sprayed with what is believed to be a form of pepper spray by a group of men who then left the scene. Armed response officers attended and arrested one man on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody and enquiries continue to trace further suspects.
“London Ambulance Service attended and the victims were taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening. There is currently some disruption to traffic in the area and Terminal 3 remains open.”
A person was seen being put in handcuffs at the airport before he was placed in a police van. Activity at the airport is now returning to normal.
Police said they are not treating the incident as terror related, and believe that it resulted from an argument which escalated leading to the injuries. People who have information about what happened are encouraged to contact police by calling 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
Commander Peter Stevens said: “At this stage, we believe the incident involved a group of people known to each other, with an argument escalating and resulting in a number of people being injured.
“Our officers responded quickly and there will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport throughout the morning, to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area.
“We are not treating this incident as terrorism. I understand the public’s concerns and would like to thank those in the area for their cooperation this morning.”
