No evidence of gunfire after mass panic at London’s Oxford Circus

LONDON —  Police ended their large-scale response in central London Friday evening after finding no evidence to confirm reports of gunfire. 

Previously, police received a number of emergency calls reporting several of gunshots on London's Oxford Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in the British capital, and the Oxford Circus Station. In response, the officials closed Bond Street and Oxford Circus stations before reopening them soon after. The police initially urged people to avoid the area and stay indoors.

After a thorough search, however, police found no evidence of any casualties or suspects. They subsequently ended a temporary advisory for people in the area to seek shelter.

Witnesses reported panic as emergency services rushed to the area.

U.K. reporter Chi Chi Izundu said she was locked in a clothing shop until "the situation is under control."

Oxford Circus Station is in the center of London's shopping district. The area was particularly crowded on Friday due to Black Friday sales.

Underground public transport operator Transport for London previously said they were investigating a "customer incident."

London has been targeted by several terror attacks this year, including a blast at Parsons Green underground station in September.

This article was originally published on DW.com. Its content is separate from Paste BN.