A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after people were allegedly attacked with a “form of pepper spray” at Heathrow Airport, police said.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 8:11am on Sunday morning after reports several people had been sprayed with the substance by a “group of men” in the multi-storey car park at the transport hub’s Terminal 3.
A number of people were rushed to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. Police said the incident was sparked by an argument between people who knew each other, and is not believed to be terror-related.
The incident led to travel chaos as trains and buses to the airport were halted and routes into the airport temporarily closed. Travellers are still being advised to “allow extra time” when making their way to the airport and check with their airlines for updates.
The M4 Spur Road to and from Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 was temporarily blocked, but has now reopened, according to National Highways.
Train lines are also still experiencing disruption. At least 17 trains serving Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 were cancelled – or ran through without stopping.
Commander Peter Stevens said: “At this stage, we believe the incident involved a group of people known to each other, with an argument escalating and resulting in a number of people being injured.
“Our officers responded quickly and there will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport throughout the morning to continue inquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area.
“We are not treating this incident as terrorism. I understand the public’s concerns and would like to thank those in the area for their co-operation this morning.”
Terminal 3 is used by Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines and many other major carriers. The multi-storey car park where the incident unfolded is directly opposite the check-in area.
The Independent understands that the incident is not thought to involve either terrorism or protest.
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent, said: “The closure of access to two of Heathrow’s four terminals shows an abundance of caution by the authorities at what is regarded as a prime target for both terrorism and protest.
“Thousands of passengers are at risk of missing flights, because they will not be held for people who were caught up for an hour or more by the road and rail closures. Heathrow has little slack in the system, and planes must keep to schedule.
“The only exception is likely to be where flight crew are delayed in reaching the airport.”
Passengers who miss flights through no fault of their own have no protection under air passengers’ rights rules. But given the circumstances, airlines are likely to be rebooked on the first available alternative flight without penalty.
National Highways previously said the M4 Spur Road had been closed as teams responded to a “serious incident”. In a post on X it confirmed the road had reopened and said the incident had been “resolved”.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing “armed police” on the scene with bus drivers reportedly instructed not to leave their vehicles.
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “The incident at the multi storey car park in Terminal 3 has now been contained by the Metropolitan Police.
“Congestion remains on surrounding roads following the incident which we are working hard to resolve as quickly as possible and we are advising passengers to use public transport. There will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport to maintain the safety of people in the area and reassure the public.”
The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for more information. In an update posted on X (formerly Twitter), at 10.50am the force 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.”
In September 2025, Heathrow Terminal 4 was evacuated after a passenger discharged a CS gas canister. Many flights were heavily delayed or cancelled.
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