Emergency services rushed to Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning after a violent group assault involving a suspected pepper spray left multiple people injured.
Details of the Terminal 3 Car Park Attack
The Metropolitan Police were called to the multi-storey car park at Heathrow's Terminal 3 at 8:11 am on Sunday, December 7th. According to authorities, a group of men attacked several individuals using what is believed to be pepper spray before fleeing the scene.
The London Ambulance Service treated a total of 21 people at the location. While the majority were assessed on-site, five individuals were transported to hospital for further examination and care. Police have reassured the public that none of the injuries are considered life-threatening or life-changing.
Police Response and Travel Disruption
Armed officers responded swiftly to the incident and managed to arrest one man on suspicion of assault. Enquiries are ongoing to locate the other suspects involved. Commander Peter Stevens stated that the incident is believed to have involved a group of people known to each other and is not being treated as terrorism.
The attack caused significant temporary disruption around the UK's busiest airport. The Elizabeth Line and Piccadilly Line Tube services experienced delays and temporary closures. Road traffic was also affected, with the M4 spur road southbound temporarily closed due to a related serious incident in the Heathrow Airport Tunnel. National Highways later confirmed all closures had been lifted.
Ongoing Enquiries and Passenger Advice
An increased police presence remained at Heathrow throughout the morning to continue investigations and reassure the public. Heathrow Airport advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and to check directly with their airline for specific flight updates.
The Metropolitan Police's declaration of a "significant incident" has now been stood down, but the search for the remaining suspects continues.
