Scotland Yard is investigating a suspected gunshot that hit the back window of a taxi containing the Private Eye editor, Ian Hislop.
The black-cab driver told detectives he had come to a standstill in traffic in Soho, central London, just after 10am on Tuesday morning when he heard what he believed was a bullet hitting and damaging his window.
Both the driver and Hislop, who was in the rear of the cab, escaped without injury.
Hislop is the veteran editor of the fortnightly magazine Private Eye, famed for its satirical pieces and investigations. He is also a regular and long-serving panellist on the BBC comedy quiz Have I Got News For You.
The incident occurred on Dean Street, near where it meets Oxford Street, a location close to the Private Eye office.
Police are keeping an open mind as to any motive, a source stressed.
Roads were closed around the scene as police searched the area and officers will examine any CCTV.
A Met spokesperson said: “Police were called at 10.10am on Tuesday, 1 October to a report of a firearms discharge on Dean Street, Westminster.
“The driver of a London black taxi reported he was stationary in traffic when a shot was fired towards his vehicle, striking the window. There were no injuries. An investigation has been launched.”
Hislop, 64, has been editor of Private Eye since 1986.
The Guardian has approached Hislop for comment.
• This article was amended on 2 October 2024. An earlier version said that Private Eye was a weekly magazine when it is published fortnightly.
