Key Takeaways
- A "pepper spray attack" at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 car park caused disruption to transport links, resulting in missed flights.
- 21 people required medical attention, with 5 being taken to hospital, but none have life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
- A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, but a manhunt is ongoing for other suspects.
- The incident is not being treated as terror-related, and police believe it to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
- Passengers at Heathrow Airport faced severe disruption to transport links, with some waiting for up to 2 hours for taxis.
Introduction to the Incident
The Independent’s travel correspondent, Simon Calder, reported that a number of people missed their flights due to a "pepper spray attack" at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 car park. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, with police being called to the scene at 8:11 am. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated that customers who missed their flights due to the disruption can contact their teams for rebooking onto the next available service.
Witness Account
A passenger, Tom Bate, who landed at Heathrow Airport and witnessed the attack, described the experience as "terrifying". He stated that he and others around him suddenly started coughing as they felt a burning sensation in their throats. Bate thought he was in a terrorist attack, highlighting the severity of the situation. The incident has caused significant disruption to passengers, with many expressing concern and frustration.
Police Investigation
Police issued an appeal for information and witnesses, with 21 people requiring medical attention after the attack. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, but a manhunt is ongoing for other suspects. The London Ambulance Service treated 21 people at the scene, including a three-year-old girl, and transported 5 to hospital. The police believe that the incident is isolated, with those directly involved known to each other, and it is not being treated as terror-related.
Disruption to Transport Links
The incident caused significant disruption to transport links, with passengers facing long delays and overcrowding on public transport links to Heathrow. Some passengers reported waiting for up to 2 hours to get a taxi, with one passenger, Aleksandra, stating that it took her over 2 hours to get a cab back to Windsor. The car park at Terminal 2 was described as "chaotic", with many people waiting for taxis.
Update on the Incident
Commander Peter Stevens from the Met stated that the police have been working to review CCTV footage and speak with witnesses at the scene. It is 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. The police are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, but believe it to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
Aftermath of the Incident
The incident has caused significant disruption to passengers at Heathrow Airport, with many expressing concern and frustration. The airport has returned to normal operations, but the incident highlights the need for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The police are continuing their investigation, and passengers are advised to check with their airlines for any updates on flights and travel arrangements.