A violent robbery at London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday caused panic and travel disruptions after pepper spray was released in a Terminal 3 parking garage. Police arrested a 31-year-old man, while several others remain at large following the chaotic incident that left 21 people injured, including a 3-year-old girl.
Metropolitan Police say a group of four men targeted a woman inside an elevator, stealing her suitcase and spraying her with an “irritant.” The attack released fumes throughout the area, leading to coughing fits and breathing difficulties for travelers nearby. Officials confirmed five individuals were taken to the hospital, while 16 others were treated on the scene. None of the injuries were reported as life-threatening.
Passenger Tom Bate, a witness to the event, described the terrifying moment he believed he was caught in a terrorist attack. “Everyone in the room was coughing,” he told Sky News. “It was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever experienced.” Bate also reported seeing armed officers rush through the terminal shouting and pointing weapons — a rare sight in the U.K., where most police are unarmed.
Law enforcement quickly detained one suspect but stated the robbery was not linked to terrorism. Investigators believe the victim and the suspects knew each other, and the motive appears to be personal. A man was arrested on suspicion of assault as police continued their search for the other suspects who fled the scene.
The incident caused hours of delays and confusion for travelers as emergency services cleared the area and treated those affected. Terminal access and traffic flow were impacted while police conducted their operation and investigation.
