Police have found no evidence that a gunshot struck the back window of a taxi carrying the Private Eye editor Ian Hislop in Soho, after the driver reported it had been fired at.
An investigation was launched after the cab’s driver told the Met Police he was stuck in traffic when a suspected shot was fired towards his vehicle, striking the window just after 10am on Tuesday.
Have I Got News For You panelist Mr Hislop was sat in the back seat of the cab, the Guardian reported.
Providing an update on Wednesday afternoon the Met said: “Urgent CCTV and forensic examinations have been conducted. While enquiries are ongoing, police 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.”
Both the driver and veteran editor escaped without injury and the force said the vehicle was seized following the incident.
The incident took place on Dean Street, close to where the road meets Oxford Street and near the Private Eye office.
Roads were closed around the scene as police searched the area and officers will examine any CCTV.
A Met Police spokesperson said earlier: “Police were called at 10.10am on Tuesday, 1 October to a report of a firearms discharge on Dean Street, Westminster.
“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. An investigation has been launched.”
A statement from Private Eye said Mr Hislop "wishes to thank everyone for their concern which is greatly appreciated".
It continued: "He can confirm that there was an incident in a taxi yesterday in which a rear window shattered, and the police are investigating.
"They 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 Have I Got News For You star also sent his thanks to officers and "all who contacted me".
Mr Hislop has been a captain on the BBC panel show with comedian Paul Merton for nearly 30 years.
The 64-year-old has been editor of the Private Eye since 1986 and the magazine is famous for its satire, cartoons and in-depth investigations exposing scandals.
He took over the magazine when he was just 26 and in the past, he has been referred to as the “Dalai Lama of Satire”.
He is believed to have become one of the most sued men in English legal history.
