Armed Metropolitan Police officers responded to Heathrow Terminal 3’s multi‑storey car park at 08:11 GMT on Sunday 7 December after reports of multiple assaults in a lift. A 31‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of assault within nine minutes, while officers continue to trace further suspects. The London Ambulance Service treated 21 people, including a three‑year‑old; five were taken to hospital with injuries not assessed as life‑threatening. The Met described the event as isolated and not terrorism‑related. Rail access to the airport was temporarily disrupted, though Terminal 3 remained open during the response.
According to the Metropolitan Police, initial enquiries indicate a woman was robbed of her suitcase by four men inside a car park lift and a substance believed to be pepper spray was discharged, affecting people in and around the lift. Detectives are reviewing CCTV and taking witness accounts as part of an ongoing investigation.
Pepper spray is unlawful for the public to possess in Great Britain. The Firearms Act 1968 classifies “any weapon … designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing” as a prohibited weapon under section 5(1)(b). Purchasing, acquiring or possessing such sprays without Secretary of State authority is a criminal offence. On indictment, the maximum sentence for section 5(1)(b) possession is up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Home Office guidance explicitly lists personal protection sprays using CS, Mace or OC (pepper) as prohibited.
Travellers should be aware that bringing pepper spray through the UK border is treated as possession of a section 5 weapon. HMRC and Border Force guidance notes that such items may be seized and cases handled under the Firearms Act, with additional customs powers available in commercial cases. In short, carriage in luggage or vehicles is not permitted, regardless of origin.
By contrast, UK police may carry an incapacitant such as PAVA only under strict conditions. Products must meet a Home Office standard, forces procure through regulated national frameworks, and officers are trained to use the National Decision Model and Authorised Professional Practice for public and personal safety. These controls distinguish lawful operational use from unlawful civilian possession.
Heathrow is policed by the Metropolitan Police’s Aviation Policing Command. In addition to general police powers, the Aviation Security Act 1982 gives constables at aerodromes the power-on reasonable grounds-to stop and search persons, vehicles and aircraft for stolen or prohibited articles, and to enter any part of an aerodrome and detain vehicles or aircraft as needed. Sunday’s response included armed officers checking vehicles in and around the car park.
Multi‑agency coordination follows the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Category 1 responders such as the police, ambulance and fire services must assess risk, maintain plans and warn and inform the public. Interoperability on scene is guided by JESIP’s Joint Doctrine, including the Joint Decision Model and the M/ETHANE format for sharing information between control rooms and commanders.
The incident caused temporary suspension of Heathrow Express and parts of the Elizabeth line before services resumed later in the day. When disruption occurs, train and station operators are under Office of Rail and Road licence obligations to provide appropriate, accurate and timely information so passengers can plan journeys with confidence, including during unplanned events.
Heathrow advised passengers to allow extra time and check with their airline while emergency services worked on site. The Met stated that Terminal 3 remained open during the response, with congestion on surrounding roads while cordons were in place.
The investigation continues. One suspect remains in custody while officers analyse CCTV and take statements. Police are asking witnesses to come forward with any information that could assist enquiries.