Heathrow airport update as girl, 3, 'pepper sprayed' and woman robbed
(Image: PA)Police are continuing their investigation after more than twenty people were injured during an assault at Heathrow Airport.Officers were alerted at 08.11am on Sunday, 7 December, following reports that a group of people had been attacked inside a multi storey car park at Terminal 3.Armed police were dispatched and arrested a 31 year old man on suspicion of assault just nine minutes after the emergency call. He remains in custody as enquiries continue, with officers working to trace additional suspects.The London Ambulance Service confirmed that 21 people were treated for injuries at the scene, including a three year old girl. Five of those injured required hospital treatment, although none of the injuries are believed to be life changing or life threatening.Commander Peter Stevens said officers have been reviewing CCTV and speaking with witnesses throughout the day. Early indications suggest the incident began when a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men.A substance believed to be pepper spray was then sprayed inside a lift, affecting people both inside and nearby.Witness Tom Bate told the BBC 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.Officers continue to hunt for other suspects but Scotland Yard confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism."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.Footage on social media appeared to show a man being handcuffed by an armed officer while another searched him.He added that detectives currently believe the incident is isolated and that those involved are known to each other. Commander Stevens also praised emergency service teams and Heathrow staff for their response.Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
