Man arrested after pepper-spray incident at London Heathrow Terminal 3 car park; 20 people hospitalised

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after several people were allegedly sprayed with a “form of pepper spray” during an altercation at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 car park on Friday morning.

Armed Metropolitan police officers were called to the multistorey car park at about 08:11 following reports of people being assaulted. According to police, a group of men is believed to have used the spray before leaving the scene. Detectives believe the individuals involved were known to one another.

“One man was arrested on suspicion of assault, and inquiries are under way to trace further suspects,” the Met said.

Commander Peter Stevens said the incident appeared to stem from an argument that escalated. “We are not treating this as terrorism,” he said, adding that there would be an increased police presence at Heathrow throughout the morning. “I understand the public’s concerns and would like to thank those in the area for their cooperation.”

The London ambulance service treated multiple victims, who were taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing. Firefighters provided specialist assistance before being stood down shortly after 10:30.

Footage posted online showed a man being handcuffed as ambulances, fire engines and armed officers responded at the scene.

Heathrow said its teams were supporting the emergency services and advised passengers to allow extra time when travelling to the airport. The terminal remained open, though the incident caused some disruption to traffic and public transport.