London Tube stations reopen after Oxford Circus 'incident'

Last updated: 24 November 2017, 6:29 pm

The area around London's Oxford Street was emptied this afternoon as police responded to reports of an incident at the Oxford Circus Tube station.

Officers had told anyone on the street to get inside. The Tube station has now reopened and crowds are now pouring in.

The Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command have confirmed have been "stood down" from this incident.

A statement from the British Transport Police that after reports of a gunfire "passengers at the station then self-evacuated the station onto Oxford Circus and Regent Street area of London."

"This caused a significant level of panic which resulted in numerous calls from members of the public reporting gunfire.

"Officers responded in line with our procedures of a terrorist incident, this included armed officers from British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police.

"A full and methodical search of the station and Oxford Street was conducted by officers.

"At this stage, we are examining the circumstances of the incident which resulted in the station being evacuated.

"During the station evacuation, one woman is believed to have sustained a minor injury."

The Met Police earlier said they were responding "as if the incident is terrorist related" because they were told shots has been fired at around 4.30pm local time.

Three fire engines and 15 firefighters went to the scene.

At 5.41pm GMT, an update from the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police said they are yet to find any suspect or any evidence of shots fired.

One woman sustained minor injuries while leaving Oxford Circus station but there have been no other casualties reported.

"Oxford Circus Station is closed while we investigate a customer incident," Transport for London said.

Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road Tube stations – both closed this afternoon – have now reopened with all trains stopping normally.

Following our call to Oxford Circus, we have been unable find any evidence of gunfire. We remain on scene alongside @metpoliceuk and advise you to avoid Oxford Circus and Regents Street areas https://t.co/z12K8zmgZ9 pic.twitter.com/K1nlCmKEJE

— BTP (@BTP) November 24, 2017