Police reply to ‘serious incident’ at Heathrow as practice strains disrupted | EUROtoday

A person has been arrested on suspicion of assault after individuals have been allegedly attacked with a “form of pepper spray” at Heathrow Airport, police stated.

Emergency companies have been referred to as to the scene at round 8:11am on Sunday morning after experiences a number of individuals had been sprayed with the substance by a “group of men” within the multi-storey automobile park on the transport hub’s Terminal 3.

Five individuals have been taken to hospital and 21 sufferers have been cared for, London Ambulance Service stated. Their accidents usually are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police stated.

Police stated the incident was sparked by an argument between individuals who knew one another, and isn’t believed to be associated to terrorism or protest.

The incident led to journey chaos as trains and buses to the airport have been halted and routes into the airport’s central space quickly closed. Travellers are nonetheless being suggested to “allow extra time” when making their strategy to the airport and verify with their airways for updates.

The M4 Spur Road to and from Heathrow Terminals 2 and three was quickly blocked, however has now reopened, in response to National Highways.

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Train strains are additionally nonetheless experiencing disruption. At least 17 trains serving Heathrow Terminals 2 and three have been cancelled – or ran by with out stopping.

Commander Peter Stevens stated: “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 inquiries 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 co-operation this morning.”

Terminal 3 is utilized by Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and lots of different main carriers. British Airways has a presence on the terminal in addition to its predominant base, Terminal 5.

The multi-storey automobile park the place the incident unfolded is instantly reverse the check-in space for Terminal 3.

Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independentstated: “The closure of access to two of Heathrow’s four terminals shows an abundance of caution by the authorities at what is regarded as a prime target for both terrorism and protest.

“Thousands of passengers are liable to lacking flights, as a result of they won’t be held for individuals who have been caught up for an hour or extra by the highway and rail closures. Heathrow has little slack within the system, and planes should hold to schedule.

“The only exception is likely to be where flight crew are delayed in reaching the airport.”

Passengers who miss flights by no fault of their very own don’t have any safety underneath air passengers’ rights guidelines. But given the circumstances, airways are prone to be rebooked on the primary accessible various flight with out penalty.

National Highways beforehand stated the M4 Spur Road had been closed as groups responded to a “serious incident”. In a submit on X it confirmed the highway had reopened and stated the incident had been “resolved”.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing “armed police” on the scene with bus drivers reportedly instructed to not go away their automobiles.

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport stated: “The incident at the multi storey car park in Terminal 3 has now been contained by the Metropolitan Police.

“Congestion remains on surrounding roads following the incident which we are working hard to resolve as quickly as possible and we are advising passengers to use public transport. There will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport to maintain the safety of people in the area and reassure the public.”

The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for extra data.

In an replace posted on X (previously Twitter), at 10.50am the power stated: “Officers remain on scene following an assault at Heathrow Airport this morning.

“At this stage, it’s believed the incident involved a group of people known to each other and officers remain at the airport to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area.”

The ambulance service was stood down from the scene at 10.58am.

In September 2025, Heathrow Terminal 4 was evacuated after a passenger discharged a CS gasoline canister. Many flights have been closely delayed or cancelled.

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