Executive Summary
- Incident Overview: A robbery at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 car park involving pepper spray left 21 people injured.
- Casualties: Five individuals were hospitalized, and a three-year-old girl was among those treated at the scene.
- Suspect Status: One 31-year-old man has been arrested, while police continue a manhunt for three other suspects.
- Operational Impact: The incident caused temporary delays to airport train services and car park closures but is not being treated as terrorism.
Authorities in London are searching for three suspects following a robbery at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning involving the use of a noxious substance believed to be pepper spray, which left 21 people requiring medical treatment. According to the Metropolitan Police, the incident occurred shortly after 08:00 GMT in the multi-storey car park at Terminal 3.
Investigators report that a group of four men allegedly stole a woman’s suitcase in a lift within the car park facility. During the altercation, a substance described as pepper spray was deployed, resulting in injuries to bystanders. Emergency services treated 21 patients at the scene, including a three-year-old girl. Five individuals required transport to a hospital for further care, though officials stated that none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
One 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault following the incident, while the remaining three suspects remain at large. The Metropolitan Police have clarified that the robbery is being treated as an isolated incident and is not currently linked to terrorism. The event caused temporary operational disruptions at the airport, including delays to train services and the brief closure of the car park.
Commander Peter Stevens indicated that preliminary findings suggest the individuals directly involved were likely known to each other. Officers are currently working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the escalation that led to the deployment of the chemical irritant.
Investigative Outlook
The focus of the investigation has now shifted to locating the outstanding suspects and recovering the stolen property. While the disruption to airport services has been resolved, the brazen nature of the crime in a high-security zone raises questions regarding surveillance and rapid response protocols in public transit hubs. As the inquiry proceeds, law enforcement officials are reviewing CCTV footage and forensic evidence gathered from the scene. It is important to note that all individuals, including the suspect currently in custody, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
