Police evacuated the area around Oxford Circus station after there were reports of a possible explosion and gunfire in the area November 24. Videos posted to social media showed the chaotic scene, as people fled for cover in large numbers.
Watch a live stream of the Oxford Circus incident in the video at the top of the page and another live stream below.
While many feared a massive incident, the British Transport Police tweeted they received a report of a woman “sustaining a minor injury” when she left the Oxford Circus station.
At this stage, we have received one report of a woman sustaining a minor injury when leaving Oxford Circus station. There are no other reported casualties. More updates to follow.
Metropolitan Police later released a statement saying officials haven’t located “any trace of suspects” or evidence that there were shots fired in the area or any casualties. Officers are remaining on scene to investigate the incident, and and people have been urged to avoid the area.
We have not located any trace of suspects, evidence of shots fired or casualties. Officers still on scene. If you are in a building stay there, if you are on the street in #OxfordStreet leave the area. Officers continue to search the area. More updates as soon as we have them
A massive police presence was spotted in the area, as they responded as if it were a terrorist incident to ensure safety. At least three police helicopters were seen overhead. The area seemed to be a lot more calm and officers were seen walking around casually in the area minutes after the evacuations.
Within about one hour, Oxford Circus and Bond Street stations were re-opened, and the trains were stopping normally. The police cordon was eventually taken down around the area and people who were locked in nearby shops as they evacuated were seen leaving.
Initial unconfirmed reports on social media said there were shots fired and a possible explosive near the tube.
Currently stuck underground. Tube announcement explains there is a “security alert with very suspicious package” found at Oxford Circus.
The feared incident at Oxford Circus comes about six months after an Islamic terrorist attack in London where a van struck a number of pedestrians on London Bridge. After the van crashed, the three occupants inside ran to Borough Market and started stabbing people in and around businesses. Eight people were killed in the terror attack and another 48 were injured, including four police officers who tried to stop the attack. Police said that the three attackers wore fake explosive vests and were shot dead by police.
That attack came less than three months after five people were killed during similar vehicle-ramming attack in Westminster. On March 22, a terrorist drove a vehicle into pedestrians on the Westminster Bridge, injuring over 50 people and killing four. After the crash, the terrorist, Khalid Masood, ran into New Palace Yard and stabbed an unarmed police officer to death. Masood was then shot dead by an officer.
On May 22, 23 people — including the terrorist — were killed and another 512 were left injured after a homemade bomb was detonated at Manchester Arena after a concert by Ariana Grande.
