No evidence London black cab was shot at

Police investigating a report that a shot was fired at a taxi carrying Ian Hislop have found no evidence of this.

“Urgent CCTV and forensic examinations” instead suggested a mechanical fault with the vehicle, which caused the rear window to shatter, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said.

The force said officers were continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident, which took place in Soho, central London, on Tuesday morning. Neither Mr Hislop nor the driver, who reported the matter to the Met, was injured.

Private Eye editor Mr Hislop has expressed his thanks to “everyone for their concern which is greatly appreciated”.

Mr Hislop’s statement 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, who has edited the satirical magazine Private Eye since 1986, sent his thanks to officers and “all who contacted me”.

Newsportu first reported that the cab driver believed his vehicle had been fired at.

The cab has been taken for further examination, the Met said.