Ian Hislop: Police issue statement about gunshot fired at taxi containing Private Eye editor and Have I Got News For You panellist

In an initial report to police, the driver said he believed his vehicle had been shot at as the back window was damaged while the cab was stationary in Dean Street, Soho.

The incident happened while the Private Eye editor was in the back seat. Both the driver and Hislop were unhurt.

Roads were closed around the scene as police searched the area and officers have been examining any CCTV.

A Met spokesperson said earlier: “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.”

But a new statement issued on Wednesday afternoon said: “Initial indications suggest a mechanical fault may have caused the window of a black taxi cab to shatter. The driver and passenger have been informed.”

Hislop, 64, has edited Private Eye since 1986