A woman is believed to have been robbed of her suitcase before 21 people were injured in a suspected “pepper spray attack” at Heathrow airport.
Armed police descended on the airport’s Terminal 3 multi-storey car park at around 8.11am on Sunday after reports multiple people had been sprayed with the substance, in what police described as an “escalated argument”. The attackers then fled the scene.
London Ambulance Service said it cared for 21 people, including a three-year-old girl, before transporting five of them to hospital. None of the patients is believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
The resulting chaos saw overcrowding at key transport links, with passengers left waiting for hours for taxis and shuttle buses.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody for questioning. The Metropolitan Police has now launched a manhunt for the other suspects and launched an appeal for witnesses.
Police confirmed they are not treating the incident as terror-related.
Key Points
- Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
- Everything we know so far as manhunt launched
- Several people taken to hospital
- Where did the attack unfold?
- 'Increased police presence' at Heathrow throughout Sunday
'I believed I was in a terror attack,' witness says
04:00 , Maira ButtA passenger who landed at Heathrow Airport this morning and witnessed the attack has described the experience as “terrifying”.
Tom Bate said he and others around him “suddenly” started coughing as he felt burning in his throat.
“I thought I was in a terrorist attack,” he told Sky News.
Police believe suspected group are 'known to each other'
03:00 , Maira Butt“At this stage, it's believed the incident involved a group of people known to each other and officers remain at the airport to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area,” the Metropolitan Police wrote in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
A 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.
In pictures: Police swoop on Heathrow Airport after 'pepper spray' attack
02:00 , Maira Butt
Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
01:00 , Maira ButtIn an update, the police said they believe a woman was robbed of her suitcase by four men.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault within nine minutes of the report coming in. He remains in custody and enquiries remain ongoing to locate further suspects.
The London Ambulance Service treated 21 people with injuries, including a three-year-old girl who was treated at the scene. Five people were taken to hospital with non-life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
Commander Peter Stevens from the Met said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow airport.”
Where did the attack unfold?
00:10 , Maira ButtThis morning’s attack unfolded in the multi-storey car park at Heathrow’s Terminal 3.
Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest airport, and serves hundreds of destinations around the world.
Terminal 3 is used by Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and many other major airlines. The multi-storey car park where the incident unfolded is directly opposite the check-in area.
Full story: Girl, 3, among 21 injured after woman robbed of suitcase in ‘pepper spray’ attack outside Heathrow airport
Sunday 7 December 2025 23:15 , Maira ButtA three-year-old girl was among 21 people injured after a suspected pepper spray attack at Heathrow airport which prompted travel disruption for passengers.
Armed police were called to the scene at around 8:11am on Sunday after reports that several people had been sprayed with the substance by a group of men in the multi-storey car park at the transport hub’s Terminal 3.
Five people were taken to hospital after 21 patients were injured, London Ambulance Service said. Police said their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
Girl, 3, among 21 injured after ‘pepper spray’ attack outside Heathrow airport
Watch: Armed police arrest man and hunt for suspects after 'pepper spray' incident at Heathrow Airport
Sunday 7 December 2025 22:45 , Maira Butt'Increased police presence' at Heathrow throughout Sunday
Sunday 7 December 2025 22:10 , Maira ButtThere will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport on Sunday to “maintain safety” and “reassure the public”, airport bosses said.
They added that while the incident had been “contained” by police, congestion remains on surrounding roads.
A spokesperson advised people to use public transport and said teams are “working hard” to resolve the blocked traffic.
“The incident at the multi storey car park in Terminal 3 has now been contained by the Metropolitan Police,” they told The Independent.
“Congestion remains on surrounding roads following the incident which we are working hard to resolve as quickly as possible and we are advising passengers to use public transport.
“There will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport to maintain the safety of people in the area and reassure the public.”
Airport closure reflects 'abundance of caution' by authorities in light of terrorism fears, says Simon Calder
Sunday 7 December 2025 21:40 , Maira ButtSimon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent, said: “The closure of access to two of Heathrow's four terminals shows an abundance of caution by the authorities at what is regarded as a prime target for both terrorism and protest.
“Thousands of passengers are at risk of missing flights, because they will not be held for people who were caught up for an hour or more by the road and rail closures. Heathrow has little slack in the system, and planes must keep to schedule.
“The only exception is likely to be where flight crew are delayed in reaching the airport.”
The incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Police reviewing CCTV footage to determine 'full circumstances' of incident
Sunday 7 December 2025 21:10 , Maira ButtThe Metropolitan Police’s Commander Peter Stevens said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow Airport.”
Witness felt 'burning at back of throat' after pepper spray attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 20:40 , Maira ButtWitness Tom Bate said he had been waiting to be picked up from the car park when he saw “young men dressed in black darting through the crowd”.
He said he felt a burning at the back of his throat after they left, with other people nearby beginning to cough.
“I’m so glad to hear now that it’s not terrorism because it felt like I was in the middle of an attack – it was pretty intense,” Mr Bate told the BBC.
Three-year-old girl among those treated for injuries
Sunday 7 December 2025 20:10 , Maira ButtA three-year-old girl is among those who were treated by ambulance crews after a group of men used pepper spray on a woman as they robbed her of her suitcase at Heathrow Airport.
The attackers fled the scene and one 31-year-old man was arrested.
Policing minister says her 'thoughts are with' those affected
Sunday 7 December 2025 19:40 , Maira ButtPolicing minister Sarah Jones added: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning. My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made.
“I am being regularly updated on the investigation. Those in the area should follow police advice.”
Metropolitan Police statement in full
Sunday 7 December 2025 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn a statement issued on Sunday evening, commander Peter Stevens said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow Airport.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
In pictures: Man arrested at Heathrow after pepper spray attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 18:36 , Maira ButtAt least 21 people were injured in a pepper spray attack at Heathrow Airport on Sunday.
Fire engines and ambulances rushed to the incident, with one man arrested by police.
Policing minister urges people to 'follow police advice'
Sunday 7 December 2025 18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolicing minister Sarah Jones has urged those affected by today’s incident to “follow police advice”.
In a post on X she wrote: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made. I am being regularly updated on the investigation.
“Those in the area should follow police advice.”
My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning.
— Sarah Jones MP (@LabourSJ) December 7, 2025
My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made.
I am being regularly updated on the investigation. Those in the area should follow police advice.
Simon Calder: Closure of transport links triggered missed flights
Sunday 7 December 2025 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder is reporting that a number of people have missed flights after a “pepper spray attack” caused key transport links to close.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “If any customers are delayed as a result of the disruption and are unable to make their flight, our teams can support with rebooking onto the next available service once they get in touch with us – either at the ticket desk or by calling in to our customer centre”
'I believed I was in a terror attack,' witness says
Sunday 7 December 2025 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA passenger who landed at Heathrow Airport this morning and witnessed the attack has described the experience as “terrifying”.
Tom Bate said he and others around him “suddenly” started coughing as he felt burning in his throat.
“I thought I was in a terrorist attack,” he told Sky News.
Police issue appeal for information
Sunday 7 December 2025 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after 21 people needed medical attention following a “pepper spray attack”.
Officers said they have arrested one man but are searching for a number of others believed to be involved.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
Everything we know so far
Sunday 7 December 2025 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHere’s everything we know after police descended on Heathrow Airport this morning:
• Police were called to the Terminal 3 car park at 8.11am on Sunday morning following reports of a “group of men” attacking people with a “form of pepper spray”
• It is understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men
• One man aged 31 was arrested at the scene as officers launched a manhunt for other suspects
• Paramedics cared for 21 people at the scene including a three-year-old girl, and transported five of those to hospital
• Those affected are not believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries
• Passengers at Heathrow Airport have faced severe disruption to transport links throughout Sunday, although all roads and rail lines are now open
• The incident is not being treated as terror-related
Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
Sunday 7 December 2025 16:27 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn an update, the police said they believe a woman was robbed of her suitcase by four men.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault within nine minutes of the report coming in. He remains in custody and enquiries remain ongoing to locate further suspects.
The London Ambulance Service treated 21 people with injuries, including a three-year-old girl who was treated at the scene. Five people were taken to hospital with non-life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
Commander Peter Stevens from the Met said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow airport.”
In pictures: Police swoop on Heathrow Airport after 'pepper spray' attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Passengers waiting hours for taxis
Sunday 7 December 2025 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePeople stuck at Heathrow Airport have described waiting for two hours to get a taxi after this morning’s incident.
Speaking to Sky News, Aleksandra said it took her more than two hours to get a cab back to Windsor.
She added: "The car park was quite chaotic at Terminal 2, with many people waiting for taxis.
"My taxi driver wasn't aware what was going on and was stuck in traffic for more than an hour on the slip road to Terminal 2."
Passengers also reported long delays and overcrowding on public transport links to Heathrow.
Five taken to hospital after 21 'cared for'
Sunday 7 December 2025 15:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFive people were rushed to hospital after this morning’s attack, which police said involved a “form of pepper spray”.
Paramedics initially cared for 21 at the scene, with five needing hospital treatment, London Ambulance Service said.
They are not believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
Man arrested on suspicion of assault
Sunday 7 December 2025 14:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne man has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident at Heathrow Airport this morning.
Emergency services were called to the Terminal 3 car park to reports a group of men had attacked a number of people with a pepper-spray like substance.
You can read the full story below...
Police respond to ‘serious incident’ at Heathrow as train lines disrupted
Manhunt continues after suspects flee
Sunday 7 December 2025 14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMultiple suspects involved in this morning’s attack are still on the run, with a manhunt underway.
Police arrested one man at the scene, but said they are looking to trace several others.
It comes after 21 people were treated by paramedics after reportedly being attacked using pepper spray in the airport’s Terminal 3 car park on Sunday morning.
Passengers report three-hour waits for shuttle bus
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHeathrow staff have begun handing out bottled water to passengers waiting for buses from Terminal 3.
One family, who did not wish to be named, told the PA news agency they had been waiting at the bus stop for three hours for a shuttle to the long-stay car park after their flight.
The shuttle usually runs every 15 minutes but waiting passengers said there had not been a bus for hours.
Spur road reopens as congestion eases
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe M4 spur road on the approach to Heathrow Airport has reopened, National Highways has said.
Policing minister says her 'thoughts are with' those affected
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:21 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolicing minister Sarah Jones added: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning. My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made.
“I am being regularly updated on the investigation. Those in the area should follow police advice.”
Everything police said after 'pepper spray' incident
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Metropolitan Police has issued a statement after a number of people were attacked with pepper spray at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning.
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.”
Disruption sees 'overcrowding' at Heathrow station
Sunday 7 December 2025 12:45 , Nicole Wootton-CanePassengers trying to reach Heathrow Terminal 3 are still facing disruption.
National Rail said train lines had reopened but some Elizabeth Line trains were unable to stop at Terminal 2/3 due to overcrowding.
Passengers were told to travel to the Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 stations and change to the London Underground Piccadilly line.
M4 spur road closed due to 'vehicles and pedestrians' in tunnel
Sunday 7 December 2025 12:22 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe M4 spur road at Heathrow Airport has been closed due to the number of vehicles and pedestrians in the tunnel, traffic bosses said.
In a post on X National Highways said it had been asked to close the road by Heathrow Airport.
At the request @HeathrowAirport the #M4 southbound spur road is closed between the #M4 and J4A, this is due to the amount of vehicles and pedestrians within the tunnel.
— National Highways: East (@HighwaysEAST) December 7, 2025
We'll keep you updated. pic.twitter.com/DMWf73RNKl
'Increased police presence' at Heathrow throughout Sunday
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:59 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThere will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport on Sunday to “maintain safety” and “reassure the public”, airport bosses said.
They added that while the incident had been “contained” by police, congestion remains on surrounding roads.
A spokesperson advised people to use public transport and said teams are “working hard” to resolve the blocked traffic.
“The incident at the multi storey car park in Terminal 3 has now been contained by the Metropolitan Police,” they told The Independent.
“Congestion remains on surrounding roads following the incident which we are working hard to resolve as quickly as possible and we are advising passengers to use public transport.
“There will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport to maintain the safety of people in the area and reassure the public.”
Fire Brigade stood down after attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:56 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe London Fire Bridgade (LFB) said it has now left the scene following a suspected pepper spray attack at Heathrow Airport.
In a post on X the service said: “We were called at 8.14am today to assist emergency service colleagues at an incident at a car park at Heathrow Airport.
“Firefighters have been providing specialist assistance alongside multi-agency partners at the scene. The Brigade was stood down shortly after 10.30am.”
We were called at 8.14am today to assist emergency service colleagues at an incident at a car park at Heathrow Airport. Firefighters have been providing specialist assistance alongside multi-agency partners at the scene. The Brigade was stood down shortly after 10.30am. https://t.co/xV6WGJc9zG
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) December 7, 2025
More than 20 injured and five taken to hospital, ambulance service confirms
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMore than 20 people were injured and five taken to hospital after a pepper spray attack at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning, paramedics said.
London Ambulance Service said it cared for 21 patients at the scene before transporting five to hospital.
We were called today at 8.04am to reports of an incident at Heathrow Airport.
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) December 7, 2025
We sent a number of resources to the scene, and cared for 21 patients. Five patients were taken to hospital.
The ambulance service was stood down from the scene at 10.58am. https://t.co/pEO4clDArX
Police not treating incident as terror-related
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:34 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are not treating the pepper spray incident as terror-related, the Metropolitan Police has said.
In a statement, the force said the incident is believed to have sparked from an “escalated argument” between groups known to each other.
“We are not treating this incident as terrorism,” the force’s commander Peter Stevens said.
“I understand the public’s concerns and would like to thank those in the area for their cooperation this morning.”
Officers remain on the scene as manhunt continues
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:26 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThere is still a police presence at Heathrow Airport as officers hunt for a number of suspects who fled the scene.
In a post on X the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers remain on scene following an assault at Heathrow Airport this morning.
“At this stage, it's believed the incident involved a group of people known to each other and officers remain at the airport to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area.”
Officers remain on scene following an assault at Heathrow Airport this morning.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) December 7, 2025
At this stage, it's believed the incident involved a group of people known to each other and officers remain at the airport to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area.…
Terminal 3 remains open
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:12 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHeathrow Airport Terminal 3 remains open following this morning’s incident, police have confirmed.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said there is currently some disruption to traffic in the area but that Terminal 3 remains open.
Where did the attack unfold?
Sunday 7 December 2025 11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThis morning’s attack unfolded in the multi-storey car park at Heathrow’s Terminal 3.
Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest airport, and serves hundreds of destinations around the world.
Terminal 3 is used by Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and many other major airlines. The multi-storey car park where the incident unfolded is directly opposite the check-in area.
Several people taken to hospital
Sunday 7 December 2025 10:44 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSeveral people were taken to hospital after being attacked with pepper spray at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 car park this morning.
London Ambulance Service attended and transported the patients. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
People urged to allow extra time when travelling to airport
Sunday 7 December 2025 10:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHeathrow has urged travellers to leave extra time while making their way to the airport this morning.
In a post on X it said: “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.”
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.
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) December 7, 2025
Everything we know so far as manhunt launched
Sunday 7 December 2025 10:36 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have launched a manhunt for a number of suspects after multiple people were reportedly attacked with pepper spray at Heathrow Airport this morning.
One man has been arrested, but officers are searching for other suspects who fled the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.
Here’s everything we know so far:
• Police were called at 8:11am to the multi-storey car park at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 following reports of a “group of men” attacking people with pepper spray
• The incident is believed to have been sparked by an escalated argument between people known to each other
• One man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody for questioning
• A number of people have been taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing
• Travel disruption remains after major transport routes to the airport were temporarily closed
• The incident is not being treated as terror related
