Ian Hislop, the editor of Private Eye and a prominent figure on the BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You, narrowly escaped injury during a shooting incident in central London. The event occurred on Tuesday at approximately 10 AM when a bullet struck the rear window of his taxi while it was stationary in traffic on Dean Street, near Oxford Street.
The taxi driver reported hearing what he believed to be a gunshot hitting the rear window of the cab. Fortunately, both Hislop and the driver were unharmed during the incident.
Following the report, the Metropolitan Police quickly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and began an investigation. They reviewed CCTV footage and conducted forensic assessments to determine the cause of the window’s damage.
As of October 2, 2024, police investigations revealed that there was no evidence of gunfire. Preliminary assessments suggested that a mechanical fault may have caused the window to shatter rather than a bullet impact. The taxi is undergoing further inspections to confirm these findings.
The incident has raised concerns about safety in central London, especially given Hislop’s public profile as a journalist known for his critical stance against powerful figures.
Ian Hislop has been at the helm of Private Eye since 1986, gaining recognition for its investigative journalism and satirical commentary. He remains a key figure in British media and continues to engage audiences through his television appearances.