Man Arrested After Pepper Spray Incident at Heathrow Airport

A man was arrested on December 7, 2023, by armed police in the United Kingdom following an incident at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 that left 21 people requiring medical attention. The situation arose in a multi-storey car park when an argument among a group of individuals escalated, resulting in what authorities described as “a form of pepper spray” being deployed.

According to the London Metropolitan Police, officers received reports of multiple people being assaulted shortly after 08:00 local time (04:00 Singapore time). The police indicated that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist act. Emergency responders from the London Ambulance Service treated a total of 21 patients at the scene, with five individuals transported to hospitals for further evaluation. Fortunately, police noted that all injuries were not considered life-changing or life-threatening.

Details of the Incident

The police stated that the altercation involved a group of individuals who were known to each other. A number of people were reportedly sprayed with the substance by men who subsequently left the scene. In response, armed response officers quickly arrived and arrested one suspect, who remains in custody as investigations continue to identify additional suspects.

Commander Peter Stevens emphasized that the argument had escalated significantly, leading to several injuries. “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,” he said.

In light of the incident, Heathrow Airport advised passengers to allow for extra travel time. While Terminal 3 remained operational, traffic and public transport in the vicinity experienced considerable disruption, according to officials and various reports. Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade also provided specialist assistance at the scene to aid emergency services.

As the investigation unfolds, police continue to assess the situation and provide updates as necessary.