Heathrow pepper spray attack
Table of Contents
- Eyewitness describes chaos after a suitcase robbery at Terminal Three car park
- Practical advice for travellers
- Key takeaways
Eyewitness describes chaos after a suitcase robbery at Terminal Three car park
The Heathrow pepper spray attack left travellers coughing and terrified in a busy Terminal Three multi-storey car park. An eyewitness who had just landed from Dallas described how three men in dark clothing bolted through a side door and the room rapidly filled with people coughing.
Within minutes armed police swarmed the scene, detaining at least one person while others fled. The situation felt like a potential terrorist incident to many on the ground before officers confirmed it was a spiralled confrontation linked to a robbery.
The incident began in the elevator lobby of the multi-storey car park where roughly 40 to 50 people were waiting. The witness noticed three young men with their heads covered who then ran up a stairwell.
Shortly after, coughing started — one person at first, then a few more, until nearly everyone in the tight space was affected. The witness called it “one of the weirdest things I’ve ever experienced.”
As the witness drove out of the car park they saw a large police response. About 10 to 20 heavily armed officers were running and shouting, trying to secure the area. One officer told the witness simply: “There’s been an attack,” which heightened immediate fears.
The police moved quickly. Officers pointed guns, ordered a man to the ground and detained him; the witness was pulled from their vehicle to help identify the detained person. Authorities later confirmed the event followed a suitcase robbery and was not an act of terrorism, with those involved known to one another.
“There are a few moments where you think, I'm not in control of the immediate future. I don't know where this is going to go. It was absolutely terrifying.”
What happened, and who was affected?
A verbal dispute and robbery in the Terminal Three car park escalated into a pepper spray incident that injured multiple people. Reports indicate 21 people were treated, including a three‑year‑old girl, and a 31‑year‑old man was arrested within minutes. Several others reportedly fled the scene.
When and where did it occur?
The episode took place in the elevator lobby of Heathrow Airport’s Terminal Three multi‑storey car park during a busy morning. The confined space and number of people waiting for lifts made the impact of the spray immediate and widespread.
How did police respond?
Armed officers arrived rapidly, contained the scene, and detained at least one suspect. The fast, decisive action prevented further escalation and allowed medical teams to treat those affected. Witnesses praised the bravery of officers who ran towards danger to protect the public.
Why did this cause such alarm?
In the immediate moments, a combination of masked individuals fleeing and people suddenly coughing in a small, crowded space suggested a possible terror event. That fear was amplified by police radio traffic and the visible armed response. Investigations later determined the disturbance grew from an argument and robbery rather than organised terrorism.
Practical advice for travellers
Airport crowds and enclosed waiting areas can quickly magnify the effects of any disruptive incident. Keep a few simple steps in mind:
- Stay aware of exits and keep a safe distance from any confrontations.
- If you experience respiratory irritation, move to fresh air and seek assistance from airport staff or medical teams.
- Follow police instructions promptly and avoid speculating or sharing unverified information that can cause panic.
Key takeaways
The Heathrow pepper spray attack was a frightening reminder of how quickly an argument can escalate in crowded public spaces. Fast police action contained the threat and medical help was provided to those affected. Witnesses expressed both fear and admiration for officers who ran toward risk to protect others.
Was this incident treated as a terrorist attack?
Initially some witnesses believed it could be a terrorist attack because of the masked individuals and sudden mass coughing, but police later ruled out terrorism and said those involved were known to each other and the situation stemmed from a robbery and argument.
How many people were injured?
Reports indicate 21 people were treated for injuries, including a three‑year‑old girl, after the pepper spray was discharged in the car park lobby.
What did the police do at the scene?
Heavily armed officers responded quickly, secured the area, detained at least one man within minutes, and coordinated medical assistance for those affected.
How can travellers stay safe in similar situations?
Remain calm, move to fresh air if exposed to irritants, follow official instructions, and report suspicious behaviour to staff or law enforcement immediately.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here 'I believed I was in a terrorist attack': The pepper spray attack at Heathrow airport | 7NEWS
