Police release images of two men who may have information about "altercation" that sparked panic at Oxford Circus

Police have release pictures of two men they want to speak to about an “altercation” that is believed to have sparked a mass evacuation of Oxford Circus Tube station.

Armed police raced to the area as panicked passengers fled the station on Friday afternoon after receiving 999 calls reporting that shots had been fired but later found there was no evidence of any shots.

British Transport Police said the incident is believed to have been sparked by an alternation between two men on the platform. They have now released CCTV images of two people they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

A spokesman said: “Officers believe an altercation erupted between two men on the platform. They would now like to speak to these two people in the CCTV images, who they believe may have information about the incident and the circumstances around the incident.

“They would also like to speak to anyone who was at the station or in the area at the time and saw or heard anything that would have caused mass evacuation.”

<em>Panic – the incident sparked chaos as people rushed to evacuate the packed Tube station (Pictures: PA)</em>
Panic – the incident sparked chaos as people rushed to evacuate the packed Tube station (Pictures: PA)

Chief Superintendent Martin Fry said: “Our officers, alongside those from the MPS, reacted quickly and responded professionally in line with our well prepared plans. I know incidents like these can cause concern, but our officers are highly visible around the network and across the country.”

The incident left several people injured and nine taken to hospital, including one with leg injuries.

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In a statement the Met Police said: “Given the nature of the information received, the Met responded in line with our existing operation as if the incident was terrorism, including the deployment of armed officers.

“Officers working with colleagues from British Transport Police carried out an urgent search of the area. No casualties, evidence of any shots fired or any suspects were located by police.”