Ian Hislop issues statement after police say 'no evidence' taxi was shot at

Ian Hislop, the editor of Private Eye, has extended his gratitude to "everyone for their concern" after an incident involving a taxi he was travelling in. Initially, it was suspected that the London black cab had been struck by a bullet, but the Metropolitan Police have have now stated there is "no evidence of a firearms discharge at this time".

The police are still looking into what happened after the incident in Soho on Tuesday morning, reports the Mirror. Hislop expressed his thanks, with a statement saying: "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 presenter of Have I Got News For You also conveyed his appreciation to the officers and "all who contacted me" for their support. The investigation began following a report from the taxi driver at about 10.10am, claiming he was "stationary in traffic in Dean Street when a shot was fired towards his vehicle, striking the window and damaging it". Fortunately, no one was injured, and the police have taken the vehicle for examination.

The Metropolitan Police provided an update, stating: "Urgent CCTV and forensic examinations have been conducted. As the investigation continues, they have yet to find any evidence of a firearm being discharged.

"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, 64, has been at the helm of the BBC comedy current affairs quiz show as a team captain since its inception in 1990, and has steered the satirical magazine Private Eye as its editor since 1986.