Police reveal likely cause of damage after ‘gunshot fired’ at Ian Hislop while in taxi

Police have revealed the likely cause of damage after officers were called to reports of a firearm being discharged at a London black cab carrying Ian Hislop.

The rear window of the taxi shattered as it was carrying Hislop through Soho, near his Private Eye magazine offices.

Police confirmed an investigation had been launched and road closures were in place in the area.

On Tuesday morning, GB News had enquired with the Met after initial reports emerged of a gunshot in central London.

Police told The People’s Channel that officers were called at 10.10am on Tuesday to a “report of a firearms discharge on Dean Street, Westminster”.

The Met said: “The driver of a London black taxi reported he was stationary in traffic when a shot was fired towards his vehicle, striking the window. There were no injuries.”

The vehicle was then seized, with a source telling The Guardian that the force was keeping an open mind as to any motive.

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Following urgent CCTV and forensic examinations, police said in a statement that they have found “no evidence of a firearms discharge at this time.

“Initial indications suggest a mechanical fault might have caused the window to shatter. We await further tests,” the force added.

Hislop, who has been editor of Private Eye since 1986, has confirmed that the police “were initially looking into the possibility of a shot having been fired but have now indicated that there may be another more innocent explanation for what happened”.

The editor, who is a regular panellist and team captain on BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You, thanked everyone who sent him well-wishes.

In a statement, Private Eye said: “Ian Hislop wishes to thank everyone for their concern which is greatly appreciated.

“He can confirm that there was an incident in a taxi yesterday in which a rear window shattered, and the police are investigating.”