Selfridges evacuated as gun shots heard from Oxford Street store
ARMED anti-terror police stormed Selfridges flagship department store on London's Oxford Street amid reports of gunfire overheard in the area.
The store was evacuated amid a major police incident in central London, when the Metropolitan Police were called to the scene as shots were heard on Oxford Street and in Oxford Circus tube station.
Reports followed of gunshots heard inside Selfridges and the store was later evacuated.
However a spokeswoman later confirmed the evacuation was just a precautionary measure and that no shots had been fired inside.
The spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Selfridges London has been evacuated as a precautionary measure, there has been no reported incidents in store."
Related articles
Earlier, singer Olly Murs had reported hearing gunshots inside the store, while he was in the back office.
He tweeted that he saw customers “screaming and running towards exits”, before reporting the store had been evacuated.
It follows reports of shots fired on Oxford Street and underground in Oxford Circus tube station shortly before rush hour this afternoon.
Police said they were responding to the incident as though it were related to terrorism, however they have not yet confirmed whether it is.
.
.
Officers said they had not located suspects, evidence of shots fired, or any casualties.
Police have asked Londoners to avoid travelling to Oxford Street. Those in the area should go inside and stay there until further notice.
The incident falls on Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and took place on Britain’s busiest shopping street.
The Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 16:38hrs on Friday, 24 November to a number of reports of shots fired on Oxford Street and underground at Oxford Circus tube station.
.
“Police have responded as if the incident is terrorist related. Armed and unarmed officers are on scene and dealing along with colleagues from British Transport Police.
“If you are on Oxford Street go into a building and stay inside until further direction. Avoid travelling to the Oxford Street area.
“At this stage police have not located any casualties.”
They later added: “To date police have not located any trace of any suspects, evidence of shots fired or causalities. Officers continue to work with colleagues from British Transport Police in the area of Oxford Circus.”
Police have set up a cordon to investigate the incident. However tube stations have reopened and there is no indication of any ongoing danger.
