Shooting ‘alert’ sparks panic

Shoppers scattered in panic and police flooded one of London’s busiest areas yesterday after multiple reports of shots being fired at Oxford Circus subway station.

But an hour later police said they had found no sign of any gunshots, suspects or casualties.

The panic erupted on one of the busiest shopping days in a city that has been hit by four violent attacks this year.

The area, full of big-name chain shops and department stores, was packed with shoppers browsing Black Friday sales.

Amid reports of several shots being fired, commuters and shoppers ran from Oxford Circus station and took shelter in nearby stores.

About an hour after the first report of shots, the Metropolitan Police force said officers “have not located any trace of any suspects, evidence of shots fired or causalities”.

Oxford Circus subway station reopened soon afterward.

British Transport Police said one woman suffered a minor injury while leaving the station.

The force, which patrols the train and subway network, said it was investigating what had caused the initial report of shots inside the station.