Two men have been charged in connection with a robbery at Heathrow Airport that involved the use of CS spray, a chemical similar to pepper spray. The suspects, Tyrone Richards, 31, and Anton Clarke-Butcher, 24, appeared in Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, facing charges of robbery and administering a noxious substance.

Details of the Incident

The robbery took place on Sunday at the multi-storey car park of Terminal 3. According to Prosecutor Rene De Silva, the suspects allegedly used CS spray to incapacitate two women, stealing their suitcases as they exited the car park lift. The chemical affected 21 individuals, including a three-year-old child, leading to five hospitalizations. All affected individuals have since been discharged.

Court Proceedings and Arrests

Richards and Clarke-Butcher, who were arrested shortly after the incident, have been remanded in custody. They are scheduled for a plea hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on January 8. The court also heard that two other suspects remain at large. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman and a 57-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery; both have been released pending further investigation. Another man, 31, was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in custody.

Impact and Response

The incident prompted temporary closures of the Central Terminal Area tunnel and the Terminal 3 car park, causing train delays. The Metropolitan Police have stated that the attack is considered isolated and is not linked to terrorism. The use of CS spray, typically employed by UK police for crowd control, underscores the severity of the attack.