London: A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after several people were sprayed with what police believe was a form of pepper spray at London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning. The incident occurred in a multi-storey car park at Terminal 3 and prompted a large emergency response along with transport disruption.

Police and emergency services were alerted shortly after 8am following reports that a group of men had assaulted multiple people before fleeing the scene. Victims were taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Authorities have confirmed the incident is being treated as an isolated dispute and not as an act of terrorism.

Police response and arrest

The Metropolitan Police said armed officers attended the scene at around 08:11 GMT after reports of multiple people being attacked with a chemical spray. One man was arrested at the location and remains in custody as officers continue to search for additional suspects.

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.”

He added, “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 cooperation this morning.”

Police believe those involved were known to each other and that the violence followed a dispute between the groups.

Victims taken to hospital

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and transported the injured to hospital. Police said none of the victims are believed to have sustained life-changing or life-threatening injuries.

A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed firefighters were called at 08:14 GMT to assist emergency responders and remained on site for several hours.

Transport disruption at Heathrow

The incident caused temporary disruption to rail services serving the airport. Heathrow Express services and parts of the Elizabeth Line were suspended on Sunday morning while emergency crews worked at the scene. Although trains later resumed, National Rail reported ongoing delays.

Heathrow Airport said Terminal 3 remained open throughout the incident but warned passengers to plan ahead. The airport advised travellers to “allow extra time when travelling to the airport” and to contact airlines for further information.

Heavy armed police presence

Social media footage showed a significant armed police response at the Terminal 3 car park, including fire engines and officers seen searching a handcuffed suspect.

Police said inquiries are continuing to locate the remaining members of the group who left the area following the attack. 

(With inputs from agencies)