London police arrest man in airport chemical incident

Suspect held under terror laws for using a noxious substance to cause damage

People stand outside of London City Airport during an evacuation after what the emergency services called a reported 'chemical incident' on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)
People stand outside of London City Airport during an evacuation after what the emergency services called a reported 'chemical incident' on Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. (Victoria Jones/PA via AP)

LONDON — 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.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

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