Taxi carrying Ian Hislop hit by mechanical fault, not gunshot, says Met

The Metropolitan Police think that a mechanical issue, and not a gunshot, caused the window of a taxi transporting Private Eye editor Ian Hislop to break.

On Tuesday morning, authorities responded to a situation in Soho, central London. A taxi driver reported to the police that he had been stuck in traffic when he heard what he thought was a bullet striking and breaking his window.

Authorities reported that they conducted "immediate" investigations by obtaining and reviewing surveillance camera footage, as well as performing a forensic analysis, which included looking for evidence of gunfire in the vicinity.

The Metropolitan Police reported that early signs pointed to a mechanical issue as the probable cause of the broken taxi window. They added that investigators found no proof to back up the cab driver's claim that a gun had been discharged.

Hislop, who appeared visibly upset following the event, along with the taxi driver, has been updated on the latest findings from the police investigation.

On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police released a statement explaining that a London taxi driver contacted them around 10:10 AM on Tuesday. He reported that while he was stopped in traffic on Dean Street, someone fired a shot at his cab, hitting the window and causing damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities have initiated an investigation and have taken possession of the taxi for further examination.

"Immediate CCTV and forensic investigations have taken place. Although inquiries are still underway, police currently have found no signs of gunfire. Early assessments indicate that a mechanical issue may have led to the window breaking. We are waiting for additional tests to confirm this. Authorities have updated both the driver and passenger about the situation."

Hislop is an experienced editor of the biweekly publication Private Eye, known for its humor and investigative articles. He is also a long-time and frequent panelist on the BBC comedy quiz show Have I Got News for You.

The event took place on Dean Street in the heart of London, not far from the Private Eye office. Hislop, who is 64 years old, has been the magazine's editor since 1986.

In a statement, the editor of Private Eye expressed gratitude to “everyone for their support” following the event.

It went on to say, "He can verify that there was an event in a taxi yesterday where a back window broke, and the police are looking into it."

At first, they were considering whether a gun had been discharged, but they now suggest that there might be a more benign reason for the incident.

Hislop expressed his gratitude to the officers and everyone who reached out to him.