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Police detain suspect following car park assault
London authorities arrested a man on Sunday morning after multiple people were sprayed with an irritant believed to be pepper spray inside a Heathrow Airport parking facility, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Incident unfolds in Terminal 3 car park
The confrontation began when a group of acquaintances engaged in a heated argument that quickly turned violent, according to police. The altercation left 21 individuals requiring medical attention, with five transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Emergency services responded to the multi-storey car park adjacent to Terminal 3 at 08:11 GMT. While the scene has since been secured, authorities continue searching for additional suspects involved in the incident.
Witnesses describe chaotic scene
Tom Bate, who was waiting for a ride in the car park, recounted seeing a group of young men dressed in black moving swiftly through the crowd before exiting through a side door. Moments later, he noticed people around him coughing and experienced a burning sensation in his throat.
"It felt like I was in the middle of an attack-it was pretty intense."
Tom Bate, witness
Fin Fraser, arriving from the U.S. earlier that morning, described an equally unsettling encounter. As he attempted to leave the car park, armed police officers approached his vehicle, instructing him to lower his window before inspecting the interior.
"It felt like I was in a James Bond movie."
Fin Fraser, traveler
Transport disruptions and airport response
The incident prompted temporary closures of the car park and delays to rail services, including the Heathrow Express and portions of the Elizabeth Line. Services resumed by mid-morning, though authorities advised travelers to allocate extra time for their journeys.
Heathrow Airport issued a statement urging passengers to confirm flight details with their airlines and consider using public transportation due to lingering congestion on nearby roads. Staff distributed water bottles to those waiting for shuttle buses, some of whom reported waiting up to three hours for transportation to long-stay parking.
Authorities rule out terrorism link
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident was isolated and not connected to terrorism or protest activity. Social media footage captured a significant armed police presence, including officers searching a handcuffed individual, as well as fire engines at the scene.
