Police downplay ‘gunshot’ fears after window of taxi ferrying Ian Hislop shatters
Police investigating a suspected gunshot incident in Soho involving a taxi carrying Have I Got News for You star Ian Hislop have said they had found no evidence of a firearm discharge.
They say the shattered rear window of the taxi was most likely down to a mechanical fault.
The driver of a London black taxi called police at around 10:10am yesterday morning and reported that he was stationary in traffic in Dean Street when he believed a shot may have been fired towards his vehicle, striking the window and damaging it.
The incident was near the Private Eye offices, where Mr Hislop works as its long-time editor.
There were no reported injuries. An investigation was launched and police, who closed roads around the scene, seized the vehicle.
Urgent CCTV and forensic examinations have been conducted and police have found no evidence of any gunshots.
Mr Hislop was been editor of Private Eye since 1986 and a panellist of the BBC’s satirical quiz show since it began in 1990.
The publication issued a statement saying: “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 [and that 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.”
Pictured top: Ian Hislop (Picture: Wikimedia Commons/ian_fromblighty : Wiki Page HERE)
