Major update over claims Ian Hislop’s black cab was shot at

Private Eye editor and Have I Got News For You star Ian Hislop’s taxi was reportedly targeted by a gunman yesterday after he was shot at while riding a black cab through Soho.

The taxi driver told police his cab had stopped due to traffic at around 10am in central London on Tuesday when his rear window was struck by what appeared to be a bullet.

However, following an investigation after the vehicle was seized, police revealed there was no evidence a firearm had been involved and a mecanical fault was likely the reason the window shattered.

Both Hislop and the taxi driver escaped without injury, and have been informed of the latest developments.

The incident took place near a junction on Oxford Street, close to where Private Eye’s offices are located.

A local worker, who asked not to be named, told the Mail: ‘I just saw the taxi in the street – it was parked just up there.

‘My colleague spotted it – all of the window at the back was smashed in, just a little black cab.

‘I think I saw it at about 10.30am – with all the police alongside.’

Hislop has been the editor of the satirical magazine since 1986, and is also famed for his long-running stint on TV panel show Have I Got News For You alongside Paul Merton.

During his tenure as editor of Private Eye he has gained notoriety as one of the most sued men in British legal history.

A police spokesperson said: ‘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.’

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