Two men have been charged over a violent suitcase robbery at London’s Heathrow Airport that left five people injured, including a three year old girl, Metropolitan Police confirmed on Tuesday.
Tyrone Richards, 31, and Anton Clarke Butcher, 24, were each charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of administering a noxious substance following an attack in a multi story car park at Terminal 3. Investigators believe a substance thought to be pepper spray was used during the assault.
Police said the incident happened on Sunday after two women exited a car park elevator, where they were confronted and robbed of their suitcases. During the struggle, a chemical irritant was released, injuring several people nearby.
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Five individuals were taken to hospital as a precaution, including a young child. All were later discharged, authorities said.
The Metropolitan Police stressed that the incident was isolated and not being treated as terrorism.
According to HM Courts and Tribunal Service officials, Richards, who has no fixed address, and Clarke Butcher, from Mantlet Close in Streatham, are due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police also arrested a 23 year old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. She has since been released on bail while inquiries continue. A second woman, aged 57, was arrested on the same suspicion and released under investigation.
Meanwhile, a 31 year old man was arrested on Monday on suspicion of affray and remains in custody, police said.
The robbery briefly disrupted transport around the airport. Authorities temporarily closed part of the Central Terminal Area tunnel and the Terminal 3 car park, leading to train delays and traffic congestion.
Airport operations later returned to normal. Police said investigations are continuing as officers work to determine whether others were involved in planning or carrying out the attack.