Heathrow T3 car park pepper spray: 21 injured, 1 held
If you were at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 on Sunday 7 December 2025, you’ll have seen a major emergency response around the multi‑storey car park. Police say a woman was robbed of her suitcase inside a lift and a substance believed to be pepper spray was discharged, affecting people nearby. Twenty‑one people needed care, including a three‑year‑old, and five were taken to hospital; injuries are not thought to be life‑threatening. One 31‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and officers are searching for others. The Met says it is not being treated as terrorism.
Officers were called at 08:11 and armed units were on scene within minutes. Detectives believe those directly involved knew each other and that an argument escalated during the robbery. CCTV checks and witness statements continued through the day as searches for further suspects carried on. If you were there and have information, police ask you to call 101 and quote CAD 1803 7 DEC.
People on the ground described coughing, burning throats and a fast, visible police presence. Footage shared online showed armed officers, fire engines and a handcuffed individual as emergency teams worked to secure the area and treat the injured. The London Ambulance Service was stood down just before 11:00, once the scene was stable.
Travel was disrupted for part of the morning. Heathrow Express and sections of the Elizabeth line were suspended while the incident was managed; later services resumed with knock‑on delays as timetables recovered. National Rail advised that delays could continue until around 11:45. The airport asked passengers to allow extra time and to check with their airline.
Because many of you asked whether this was a terror attack, here’s the key point: police say it wasn’t. Under UK law, something is classed as terrorism only when the use or threat of action aims to influence the government or intimidate the public for a political, religious, racial or ideological cause. Early evidence at Heathrow suggests a targeted robbery, not an ideologically motivated act.
So how do police decide ‘terror’ or ‘not terror’? Officers look at motive as well as harm. Violence, damage or risk to the public must also be tied to advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause to meet the legal definition. If that threshold is met, specialist Counter Terrorism Policing usually leads; if not, local detectives handle the case. The Crown Prosecution Service summarises this test clearly.
A quick explainer on the spray itself. “Pepper spray” is a common name for incapacitant sprays that cause intense irritation to the eyes, throat and skin. UK police are certified to carry PAVA (a synthetic chilli compound) and used to carry CS; both are designed to stop violent behaviour quickly. Effects typically ease within 15–30 minutes once you’re away from the source.
What’s the law? In the UK it’s illegal for the public to possess pepper spray or similar personal protection sprays. That’s because the Firearms Act 1968 bans any weapon “designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid or gas”. Home Office guidance makes clear this includes CS, Mace and OC (pepper) sprays. Only those with specific authority (for example, police) may carry them.
If you think you’ve been exposed to a spray in a confined area, the UK Health Security Agency advises moving to fresh air and avoiding rubbing your eyes. Most people recover without treatment in 15–30 minutes. If symptoms persist, remove contaminated clothing (not over your head), blot exposed skin gently with dry absorbent material, and seek medical advice. If your eyes are affected, remove contact lenses and irrigate with lukewarm water for at least 10–15 minutes.
Stuck at an airport during an incident? Follow staff and police instructions, give emergency teams space to work, and rely on verified updates from the airport, your airline and official transport channels. For chemical incidents, authorities may advise sheltering in a building away from affected areas until it’s safe to move. Check rail updates before travelling as services can take time to recover after a pause.
Where things stand now: the Met is reviewing CCTV, speaking to witnesses and tracing suspects. If you saw anything at Terminal 3’s car park, call 101 quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC, or 999 in an emergency. Police and Crime Minister Sarah Jones thanked emergency services and those affected for their cooperation. We’ll update this piece if the police issue further information.