Mechanical Fault Shatters Window of Taxi Carrying Ian Hislop

British police updated on Wednesday that a mechanical fault, not a gunshot, likely shattered the window of a London taxi carrying Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye. Initial investigations had suggested a firearms discharge. Further tests are awaited to confirm the cause.

On Wednesday, British police announced that a 'mechanical fault,' rather than a gunshot, likely caused the window of a London black taxi carrying Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye, to shatter.

Initial reports had led to an investigation into a possible firearms discharge in Soho, central London, after the driver reported a shot seemed to have been fired towards the vehicle. However, no injuries were reported, and London's Metropolitan Police did not name Hislop in their statement.

Following comprehensive CCTV and forensic examinations, police indicated that no evidence of a firearms discharge was found. 'Initial indications suggest a mechanical fault might have caused the window to shatter. We await further tests,' the update stated.

Ian Hislop, 64, who has helmed Private Eye since 1986, expressed gratitude for the concern shown, via a statement on the magazine's X account. Private Eye is renowned for its satirical take on British politics and investigative journalism.

(With inputs from agencies.)