People stand outside of London City Airport during an evacuation after what the emergency services called a reported "chemical incident.", Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. London Fire Brigade says City Airport has been declared safe, three hours after it was evacuated by a suspected chemical incident. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
LONDON (AP) - British police have arrested a man in connection with a suspected chemical incident that sparked the evacuation of London City Airport last week.
Police said Monday they arrested the 25-year-old man on Saturday on suspicion of using a noxious substance to cause serious damage- an offense under counter-terror laws. He was released on bail pending further inquiries and an investigation is continuing.
Some 500 travelers and staff were evacuated to a parking lot Friday. The terminal was declared safe after a three-hour investigation.
The Metropolitan Police said a search uncovered a "CS gas spray," also known as tear gas, which causes stinging eyes and a burning throat.
East London's City Airport is the smallest of the British capital's international airports. It offers mostly short-haul flights to British and European destinations.
Emergency services outside London City Airport after people were evacuated after what the emergency services called a reported "chemical incident.", Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. London Fire Brigade says City Airport has been declared safe, three hours after it was evacuated by a suspected chemical incident. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
A view of London City Airport, after people were evacuated after what the emergency services called a reported "chemical incident.", Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. London Fire Brigade says City Airport has been declared safe, three hours after it was evacuated by a suspected chemical incident. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
Passengers stand after an evacuation of London City Airport, in London, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. London Fire Brigade says City Airport has been declared safe, three hours after it was evacuated by a suspected chemical incident. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
A policeman stands outside London City Airport which has been closed as dozens of passengers have been treated for breathing difficulties after what the emergency services called a reported "chemical incident.", Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. The airport said passengers were told to leave the terminal Friday afternoon because a fire alarm was sounding. Departing flights were suspended, and several incoming flights diverted to other airports. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)
The Associated Press