Passengers have been encouraged to allow extra time when travelling to the airport after police were called to a car park on Sunday morning
An incident is unfolding at a car park at a major airport, causing major disruption for travellers. Metropolitan Police are on hand at Heathrow Airport, based at Hounslow, after reports of “multiple people being assaulted” at terminal three car park.
Police said in a statement that a number of people are believed to have been pepper sprayed, by a group of men who then left the scene. A man has been arrested and officers are attempting to locate others. Passengers have been encouraged to allow extra time when travelling to the airport as the incident plays out.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police reads: “Police are in attendance at Heathrow Airport while we investigate the circumstances around the assault of a number of people this morning.
“Officers were called at 8.11am to a multi-storey car park at Terminal 3 following reports of multiple people being assaulted.
“A number of people were sprayed with what is believed to be a form of pepper spray by a group of men who then left the scene.
“Armed response officers attended and arrested one man on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody and enquiries continue to trace further suspects.
“London Ambulance Service attended and the victims were taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
“There is currently some disruption to traffic in the area and Terminal 3 remains open.”
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 enquiries 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.
“Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.”
A statement from Heathrow Airport reads: “Our teams are currently responding to an incident involving the emergency services in the Terminal 3 multi-storey car park.
“Passengers are advised to allow extra time when travelling to the airport and to check with their airline for any queries.”
Train lines are affected amidst the chaos, include Elizabeth between Shenfield and Abbey Wood, as well as Heathrow Terminal 4 to 5.
Heathrow Express services between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 have also been disrupted.
National Rail say disruption is expected to continue this morning, with cancellations until around midday.
