Heathrow incident live: Armed police swoop on airport after more than 20 injured in ‘pepper spray’ attack
M4 spur road closed due to ‘vehicles and pedestrians’ in tunnel
The 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.
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 12:22
‘Increased police presence’ at Heathrow throughout Sunday
There 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.”
(PA Archive)
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:59
Fire Brigade stood down after attack
The 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.”
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:56
More than 20 injured and five taken to hospital, ambulance service confirms
More 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.
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:45
Police not treating incident as terror-related
Police 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.”
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:34
Officers remain on the scene as manhunt continues
There 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.”
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:26
Terminal 3 remains open
Heathrow 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.
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:12
Where did the attack unfold?
This 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.
January (Simon Calder )
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 11:00
Several people taken to hospital
Several 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.
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 10:44
People urged to allow extra time when travelling to airport
Heathrow 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.”
Nicole Wootton-Cane7 December 2025 10:40
