LONDON — Shoppers scattered in panic and police flooded one of London’s busiest areas Friday after multiple reports of shots being fired at Oxford Circus subway station. But an hour later, police said they had found no sign of any gunshots, suspects, or casualties.

The panic erupted on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, in a jittery city that has been hit by four violent attacks this year. The area, full of big-name stores, was packed with shoppers browsing Black Friday sales.

Amid reports of several shots being fired, commuters and shoppers ran from Oxford Circus station and took shelter in nearby stores. ‘‘I was next to the Tube station and everyone started screaming and shouting and then a flood of people came up the stairs,’’ said Greg Owen, 37.

Police said they responded ‘‘as if the incident is terrorist related,’’ sending armed officers to the scene, cordoning off several blocks, and telling people to avoid the area.

Some stores were evacuated. At upscale department store Selfridges, shoppers were ordered to leave.

About an hour after the first report of shots, the Metropolitan Police force said officers had not located any evidence of shots fired. Oxford Circus subway station reopened soon afterward.

ASSOCIATED PRESS