CAUSE REVEALED: Police find no evidence of gunshot at black taxi carrying Ian Hislop

Police are continuing to investigate an incident in Soho after an alleged shooting involving a London black taxi on Tuesday morning.

The driver reported to police at approximately 10:10am that he was stationary in traffic on Dean Street when he heard what he believed to be a gunshot.

The shot appeared to strike the window of the taxi, causing visible damage. There were no reported injuries.

An investigation was launched immediately. The taxi has since been seized by officers, and both CCTV footage and forensic examinations are being reviewed as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Initial findings have brought the shooting claim into question. Police have stated they currently have no evidence to suggest a firearm was involved. Instead, early indications point towards a possible mechanical fault as the cause of the shattered window, though further tests are pending.

The taxi driver and the passenger, who has been identified in reports as Ian Hislop—editor of Private Eye and a panellist on Have I Got News for You—have been updated by police on the progress of the investigation.

Enquiries are ongoing as police work to establish the full circumstances behind the incident.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “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.”