Heathrow incident live: Armed police swoop on airport after more than 20 injured in ‘pepper spray’ attack – UK Times

The London Fire Bridgade (LFB) said it has now left the scene following a suspected pepper spray attack at Heathrow Airport.

In a post on X the service said: “We were called at 8.14am today to assist emergency service colleagues at an incident at a car park at Heathrow Airport.

“Firefighters have been providing specialist assistance alongside multi-agency partners at the scene. The Brigade was stood down shortly after 10.30am.”

More than 20 people were injured and five taken to hospital after a pepper spray attack at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning, paramedics said.

London Ambulance Service said it cared for 21 patients at the scene before transporting five to hospital.

Police are not treating the pepper spray incident as terror-related, the Metropolitan Police has said.

In a statement, the force said the incident is believed to have sparked from an “escalated argument” between groups known to each other.

“We are not treating this incident as terrorism,” the force’s commander Peter Stevens said.

“I understand the public’s concerns and would like to thank those in the area for their cooperation this morning.”

There is still a police presence at Heathrow Airport as officers hunt for a number of suspects who fled the scene.

In a post on X the Metropolitan Police said: “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.”

Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 remains open following this morning’s incident, police have confirmed.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said there is currently some disruption to traffic in the area but that Terminal 3 remains open.

This morning’s attack unfolded in the multi-storey car park at Heathrow’s Terminal 3.

Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest airport, and serves hundreds of destinations around the world.

Terminal 3 is used by Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and many other major airlines. The multi-storey car park where the incident unfolded is directly opposite the check-in area.

Several people were taken to hospital after being attacked with pepper spray at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 car park this morning.

London Ambulance Service attended and transported the patients. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Heathrow has urged travellers to leave extra time while making their way to the airport this morning.

In a post on X it said: “Our teams are currently responding to an incident involving the emergency services in the Terminal 3 multi-storey car park.

“Passengers are advised to allow extra time when travelling to the airport and to check with their airline for any queries.”

Police have launched a manhunt for a number of suspects after multiple people were reportedly attacked with pepper spray at Heathrow Airport this morning.

One man has been arrested, but officers are searching for other suspects who fled the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.

Here’s everything we know so far:

• Police were called at 8:11am to the multi-storey car park at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 following reports of a “group of men” attacking people with pepper spray

• The incident is believed to have been sparked by an escalated argument between people known to each other

• One man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody for questioning

• A number of people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing

• Travel disruption remains after major transport routes to the airport were temporarily closed

• The incident is not being treated as terror related