Police respond to ‘serious incident’ at Heathrow as train lines disrupted
A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after people were attacked with a “type of pepper spray” at Heathrow Airport.
Trains and buses heading to the transportation center were stopped on Sunday morning after police received notice of a “serious incident” in the Terminal 3 car park. Travelers are advised to “allow extra time” when traveling to the airport and check with their airline for updates.
A Heathrow Airport spokesman said: “Our teams are responding to an incident with emergency services at the multi-storey car park in Terminal 3. We will provide updates shortly.”
The M4 Spur Road to and from Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 was temporarily closed, but has now reopened, according to National Highways.
While the Elizabeth Line was also closed for a short time, there were also disruptions on the train lines. So far, at least 17 trains serving Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 have been canceled or passed without stopping.
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 took place is located directly opposite the check-in area.
Independent understands that the incident is not thought to involve terrorism or protest.
Simon Calder, Travel Reporter IndependentHe said: “Closing access to two of Heathrow’s four terminals shows how wary authorities are of what is seen as a key target of both terrorism and protests.
“Thousands of passengers are at risk of missing flights as road and rail closures will not accommodate people who have been busy for an hour or more. “There is little slack in Heathrow’s system and planes must stay on schedule.
“Possibly the only exception would be if the flight crew were delayed in reaching the airport.”
National Highways previously said the M4 Spur Road was closed as crews responded to a “serious incident”. A post on X confirmed the road had reopened and said the incident had been “resolved”.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing “armed police” at the scene and bus drivers were instructed not to abandon their vehicles. The exact nature of the incident is not yet clear.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for further information.
This is a story of breaking. More to follow…
