'No evidence' of firearms discharge after reports Ian Hislop's cab was 'hit by bullet'

Police say there's no evidence of a firearms discharge - following reports a black cab Ian Hislop was traveling in in central London was hit by a bullet.

It had been reported the Private Eye Editor was in stationary traffic on Dean Street in Soho on Tuesday morning when a shot was fired towards the taxi, damaging it.

Officers are continuing to look into what happened - but think a mechanical fault might have caused the window to shatter.

Ian Hislop has also released a statement in which he expressed his thanks to 'everyone for their concern.'

A statement said 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".

Met Police: No evidence of firearms discharge

The Guardian reported The Have I Got News For You star was in a black cab in central London at around 10am on Tuesday when a bullet is said to have damaged the rear of the vehicle as it stopped in traffic.

Neither Hislop nor the driver was harmed.

The apparent shooting was reported to police by the driver.

Roads in the area were closed following the incident, with police carrying out a search.

Hislop, 64, has served as a team captain on the BBC comedy current affairs quiz show since its first episode in 1990, and has been the editor of Private Eye magazine since 1986.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman initially told The Guardian: "Police were called at 10.10am on Tuesday October 1 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."

In an update on Wednesday afternoon a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "An investigation was launched and police seized the vehicle.

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.

Police have informed the driver and passenger.

Hislop, Scotland Yard and Private Eye have been approached for comment.

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