Thousands of Christmas shoppers evacuated from Regent Street after security scare
THOUSANDS of shoppers have been evacuated from Regent Street after a security scare.
Thousands of shoppers forced away from packed road
Crowds were ushered out if the road, one of the busiest streets in London, following reports of a ‘suspicious taxi’ abandoned in the road.
Around 600ft of the road was cordoned off close to world famous Hamleys toy store as police descended on the scene, shortly before 2pm today.
regent street is closed off - police say due to a "suspicious vehicle." pic.twitter.com/gh37iLTH64
— Rossalyn Warren (@RossalynWarren) December 22, 2015
One witness said the car's windows had been 'shot out' by police. A photograph later emerged that shows what appears to be bullet holes in the back window of the cab.
The Metropolitan Police have since declared the area safe and have reopened Regent Street.
Customers were told to stay inside shops and away from windows as bomb disposal experts reportedly examined the car, which was parked at a taxi rank.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman later confirmed there was 'nothing suspicious’.
Stay away from Regent street & Oxford street ... #RedAlert #London pic.twitter.com/UAUiQBcylH
— DEEPAK YADAV (@DEEPAKYADAV) December 22, 2015
Regent Street was evacuated near Hamleys toy store