Oxford Circus panic
On 24 November 2017, around 16:38 GMT, a panic broke out at Oxford Circus in London after a fight on the Central line platform led some people to think gunshots had been fired. The area was busy with Christmas shoppers and Black Friday sales on Oxford Street and Regent Street. People ran into shops and onto the streets, and several were injured from falls and being pushed.
In total, 16 people were injured, with some needing hospital treatment. Police, the British Transport Police, and City of London Police sent armed officers, closed Oxford Circus station and nearby Bond Street station, and told people to seek shelter. Fire crews were also dispatched. By 18:05 GMT, officers said there was no evidence of gunshots or terrorism.
News and social media posts after the incident spread rumors, which helped the panic grow. Pop star Olly Murs faced criticism for a tweet claiming there had been gunfire inside Selfridges, even though no gunshots were found. Two men involved in the initial fight handed themselves in the next day and were released; police said they were not looking for more suspects.
The incident is often cited as an example of how misinformation and mass fear can spread during a crisis.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 16:51 (CET).