Man arrested after people at Heathrow allegedly attacked with ‘form of pepper spray’

A morning of routine travel at London's bustling Heathrow Airport took a harrowing turn for many passengers recently, as a brazen robbery and assault involving a "form of pepper spray" unfolded in the Terminal 3 multi-storey car park. The incident, which prompted a swift and comprehensive emergency response, left 21 people requiring medical attention, five of whom, including a three-year-old girl, were taken to hospital. One man has been arrested as police continue their investigation into the unsettling events.

Chaos Erupts in Terminal 3 Car Park

The alarm was raised at approximately 8:11 AM when the Metropolitan Police received reports of people being assaulted at the Terminal 3 car park. According to initial statements, a group of men allegedly sprayed individuals with what is believed to be a type of pepper spray before making a hasty exit from the scene. The immediate aftermath was one of confusion and distress, as the airborne irritant quickly affected those in the vicinity.

Eyewitness Tom Bate, who had just landed at Heathrow from the US and was making his way through the car park, described the sudden onset of symptoms. "Everyone was coughing and looking at each other thinking how weird it was that we were coughing at the same time," he recounted. Bate, 27, who was travelling to London to spend Christmas with his family, felt a burning sensation in his throat, noting that children and elderly people were among the many exposed to the mysterious substance. He observed three men without luggage running past the lift lobby shortly before the widespread coughing began, an eerie silence broken only by the collective discomfort.

Emergency Services Mobilize Rapidly

The severity of the situation quickly escalated, triggering a multi-agency response. Armed officers from the Metropolitan Police were among the first on the scene, securing the area and beginning their initial inquiries. Footage circulated on social media depicted a significant emergency presence, with ambulances, fire engines, and heavily armed police officers converging on the car park.

The London Ambulance Service on the Front Line

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) played a crucial role in providing immediate medical care. A spokesperson confirmed their extensive deployment, stating, "We have a number of resources on scene, and are caring for a number of patients." In total, LAS paramedics treated 21 individuals, a testament to the wide-ranging impact of the spray. While five patients required further hospital care, authorities were quick to reassure the public that their injuries were not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening. The LAS was stood down from the scene by 10:58 AM, indicating the rapid assessment and treatment of those affected.

London Fire Brigade Provides Specialist Assistance

Adding another layer of expertise, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) also responded to the incident. An LFB spokesperson confirmed that firefighters were "providing specialist assistance alongside multi-agency partners at the scene." In incidents involving unknown substances, fire services often deploy hazardous materials (HAZMAT) teams to identify and mitigate any ongoing risks, ensuring the safety of both the public and emergency personnel. The LFB concluded their operations and were stood down shortly after 10:30 AM.

The Robbery Unveiled: A Targeted Attack

As the immediate chaos subsided, details regarding the nature of the incident began to emerge. Commander Peter Stevens of the Metropolitan Police provided critical insights, confirming that the incident was not a random act of violence but rather a targeted robbery. "At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction," Commander Stevens explained. The attack occurred within a car park lift, affecting not only the direct victim but also others inside the lift and in the surrounding area.

Commander Stevens also offered a reassuring assessment, stating, "Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other." This suggests that the broader public was not the intended target, aiming to alleviate widespread fears about airport security. He commended the swift actions of the emergency services and Heathrow airport staff for their professional response.

Understanding Pepper Spray and Its Effects

Pepper spray, also known as OC spray (Oleoresin Capsicum), is a lachrymatory agent used for self-defense and crowd control. It causes immediate irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, leading to temporary blindness, coughing, difficulty breathing, and a burning sensation. While generally non-lethal, its effects can be debilitating and cause significant distress, especially in enclosed spaces or when affecting vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly. The widespread coughing and burning sensation described by witnesses like Tom Bate are classic symptoms of pepper spray exposure, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of its deployment in such an attack.

Ongoing Investigation and Airport Operations

Following the initial response, police launched a meticulous investigation. "Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene," Commander Stevens confirmed. One man has been arrested on suspicion of assault, and inquiries are actively continuing to trace further suspects involved in the robbery and assault. Tom Bate himself was kept in the car park for over an hour, giving a statement to police and observing the thoroughness of their search. "They swept the whole garage, every car, they were very professional and very quick," he noted, despite the terrifying atmosphere of "total gridlock."

Despite the significant emergency presence and the disruption caused, Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 remained open throughout the incident. A Heathrow spokesperson confirmed that airport teams were coordinating closely with emergency services, advising passengers to allow extra time for travel and to check with their airlines for any queries. While some traffic and public transport disruption was inevitable, the airport's ability to maintain operations underscored the resilience of its infrastructure and staff.

Political Response and Public Appeal

The incident also drew attention from government officials. Policing Minister Sarah Jones expressed her concern, stating, "My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning. My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response and the arrest made." She assured the public that she was being regularly updated on the investigation and urged those in the area to follow police advice.

The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has details that could assist their investigation. Members of the public are encouraged to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC, to provide any relevant information.