A routine Sunday morning at London’s Heathrow Airport descended into chaos when a noxious substance was unleashed during a suspected robbery, leaving travelers gasping for air and clutching their eyes.

The incident at Terminal 3—a critical hub for Kenyans connecting to the UK and beyond—resulted in 21 people requiring emergency treatment. While initial fears pointed to a wider threat, Metropolitan Police investigators now suspect a targeted dispute over luggage between parties known to each other, rather than a random act of terror.

Targeted Theft, Not Terror

Armed officers rushed to the terminal’s multistorey car park at approximately 8:11 am (11:11 am EAT) following urgent reports of an assault. According to the Metropolitan Police, a group of men allegedly doused victims with a "form of pepper spray" before fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe the altercation centered on the theft of a suitcase. "Inquiries continue to trace further suspects," the police confirmed in a statement, noting that one man has already been arrested on suspicion of assault.

The Human Toll

The chemical irritant caused immediate distress in the confined space of the car park. The London Ambulance Service mobilized quickly, treating 21 patients at the scene. While most were discharged after assessment, the toll included:

• Five individuals transported to the hospital for further care.
• A three-year-old girl among those requiring treatment.
• Multiple bystanders suffering from respiratory distress.

Tom Bate, a traveler who had just landed at Heathrow, recounted the confusion to reporters. "Everyone was coughing and looking at each other thinking how weird it was that we were coughing at the same time," Bate said, describing how his throat began to burn moments before the realization of an attack set in.

Implications for Travelers

For the thousands of Kenyans who transit through Heathrow annually, the incident serves as a stark reminder that even high-security zones like airports are not immune to opportunistic crime. While Terminal 3 remained operational, the disruption highlights the need for vigilance regarding personal luggage in semi-public areas like car parks and drop-off zones.

Commander Peter Stevens of the Metropolitan Police emphasized that the investigation is moving rapidly. "Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene," Stevens stated, signaling that further arrests may be imminent as authorities track the remaining suspects.