'No evidence' London taxi carrying Ian Hislop was hit by gun shot

Mr Hislop was in a black cab in Dean Street, Soho at around 10am yesterday (October 2), when a suspected bullet damaged the vehicle's back window as it stopped in traffic, according to The Guardian. 

It was initially thought the taxi was hit by a bullet, but the Metropolitan Police has confirmed there is “no evidence of a firearms discharge at this time”.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the incident. 

Neither Mr Hislop nor the driver, who reported the incident to the police, were injured.

The vehicle has been taken for further examination.

Initial indications suggest a mechanical fault might have caused the window to shatter, however police await for further tests.

Hislop has since expressed his thanks to “everyone for their concern” following the incident. 

In a statement, issued on behalf of Hislop, he said: "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.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: "Police continue to investigate the circumstances around an incident in Soho on Tuesday morning.

"The driver of a London black taxi called police at around 10:10hrs and reported that he was stationary in traffic in Dean Street when a shot was fired towards his vehicle, striking the window and damaging it.

"There were no reported injuries.

"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."