A taxi carrying Private Eye editor Ian Hislop was hit by a bullet, according to reports.

The Have I Got News For You star was in a black cab in central London at around 10am on Tuesday when a bullet is said to have damaged the rear of the vehicle as it stopped in traffic, the Guardian reported.

Neither Hislop nor the driver was harmed.

The apparent shooting, which was reported to police by the driver, happened in Dean Street in London’s Soho, near Private Eye’s office, the newspaper said.

Roads in the area were closed following the incident, with police carrying out a search.

Hislop, 64, has served as a team captain on the BBC comedy current affairs quiz show since its first episode in 1990, and has been the editor of Private Eye magazine since 1986.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman told The Guardian: “Police were called at 10.10am on Tuesday October 1 to a report of a firearms discharge on Dean Street, Westminster.

“The driver of a London black taxi reported he was stationary in traffic when a shot was fired towards his vehicle, striking the window. There were no injuries. An investigation has been launched.”

Hislop, Scotland Yard and Private Eye have been approached for comment.