POLICE said that a “mechanical failure” is likely to blame for a rear window of a black cab carrying the editor of Private Eye mysteriously shattering.

They were initially investigating reports that Ian Hislop’s ride had been shot at in Dean Street, Soho, on Tuesday morning.

In a statement Private Eye thanked “everyone for their concern”, and added of Mr Hislop: “He can confirm that there was an incident in a taxi yesterday in which a rear window shattered, and the police are investigating. They were initially looking into the possibility of a shot having been fired but have now indicated that there may be another, more innocent, explanation for what happened.”

Mr Hislop (inset) sent his thanks to officers and “all who contacted me”.

The Metropolitan Police Service said on Wednesday: “The driver of a London black taxi called police at around 10.10am 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.”