Man arrested on suspicion of bringing 'teargas' to Heathrow airport

A man has been arrested after an incident at Heathrow Airport that led to an evacuation of Terminal 4 on Monday evening, September 8, 2025.

Police have arrested a man on a suspicion of bringing "teargas" to the Heathrow Airport which led the terminal 4 area to briefly shut down.

The terminal 4 check-in area at the U.K. international airport was evacuated for almost three hours as emergency services probed a “potential hazardous materials incident”.

Metropolitan special officers, alongside London fire brigade and London Ambulance services attended the scene for investigating the incident.

Moreover, a metropolitan police spokesperson reported that a 57-years old man had been arrested after urgent inquires on suspicion of possession of firearm (CS spray), ”causing a public nuisance”.

After searching the investigating area, police officers located a "canister" of what is believed to be "CS spray", which was thought to have caused a reaction to those within the airport.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the spray is used by UK police forces as a temporary incapacitant spray to subdue people who may pose a risk to themselves or others.

Furthermore, CS Spray is a riot control agent, also known as "teargas" which can cause a burning sensation in eyes badly effecting lungs, throat and skin.

More than 20 people present at the site reported symptoms of irritation and were treated by the paramedic’s staff, but “the spray did not cause any life-changing or threatening injuries,” Police informed.

Dozens of flights were delayed and thousands of travelers were affected by the incident, as the airport advised passengers not to travel to Terminal 4, while National Rail said trains were not called at the terminal because of the incident.

Moreover, transport links to the airport were already affected by London Underground strikes.

Furthermore, Heathrow Airport reopens again and flights will resume as per their schedule.

Why it matters?

Heathrow Airport London is largest international airport serving in London, the capital and the most populist city of England. The London Heathrow airport is considered to be the busiest airport in UK.

The airport experiences more than a quarter of millions of passengers pass through its four terminals, which is an estimated total of 270,869 passengers as per the data evaluated in August 2025.

The panicky airport incident comes months after Heathrow airport closing following an unprecedented electrical substation fire that halted 1300 flights.