Police in London have arrested a 57-year-old man suspected of bringing what is thought to be tear gas into Heathrow Airport, causing Terminal 4’s check-in area to briefly shut down.
The check-in area at the UK’s main international airport was evacuated for around three hours yesterday evening as emergency services probed a “potential hazardous materials incident”.
“Following urgent enquiries, a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm (CS spray) and causing a public nuisance,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
After a search of the area, “Met officers located a cannister of what is believed to be CS spray.
“It is thought that this substance caused a reaction to those within the airport,” the police said.
CS spray is a riot control agent, also known as tear gas, which can cause a burning sensation to the eyes, throat, lungs and skin.
Police said around 20 people reported symptoms of irritation and were treated by paramedics, but the spray “did not cause any life-changing/threatening injuries”.
The man remains in police custody and the incident is not being treated as terrorism related.