‘Altercation’ blamed for causing Tube panic alert

Police want to trace two men in station after launching major operation

The incident at Oxford Circus Tube station that sparked a mass evacuation was caused by an “altercation” between two men, British Transport Police said.

Several people were injured and nine taken to hospital, including one with leg injuries, after panic erupted in the packed station yesterday.

Armed police raced to Oxford Circus Tube station and Oxford Street after receiving 999 calls reporting that shots had been fired.

British Transport Police said the incident is believed to have started with an altercation between two men on the platform.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “Officers alongside colleagues from Metropolitan Police Service were called to the station at 4.37pm following reports of shots fired.

“Armed officers from BTP and MPS were quickly on scene. The area was searched swiftly and the station was reopened.

“Officers believe an altercation erupted between two men on the platform.

“They would now like to speak to these two people in the CCTV images, who they believe may have information about the incident and the circumstances around the incident.

“They would also like to speak to anyone who was at the station or in the area at the time and saw or heard anything that would have caused mass evacuation.”

Chief Superintendent Martin Fry added: “Thank you to everyone for bearing with us and also to colleagues from all the emergency services who helped carry out a swift response.

“I know incidents like these can cause concern, but our officers are highly visible around the network and across the country.”

There was panic among rush-hour commuters and Black Friday shoppers, with a number of people injured.

Stuart Crichton, London Ambulance Service assistant director of operations, said: “We checked over and treated several patients who sustained injuries while leaving the Oxford Circus area.

“We discharged seven patients at the scene and took eight to two central London hospitals for minor injuries.

“We also took one patient to a major trauma centre for leg injuries.”

Around 90 minutes after responding, police said there was no evidence of any shots, casualties or suspects.

Picture: AP. Police officers and vehicles near Oxford Circus station in London after it was reopened.