Part of Oxford Street in central London was shut to traffic for a second day amid fears Christmas shoppers could be crushed.

The area from Oxford Circus to Portman Street shut at noon for eight hours.

Westminster City Council closed the same section on Saturday amid fears there could be crushing on pavements which had been narrowed due to construction work.

The council said the situation could see similar closures on other weekends.

Currently there is major construction work near Bond Street London Underground station for Crossrail, which will run from Maidenhead in Berkshire to Brentwood in Essex and Abbey Wood in south-east London, via central London.

Westminster City Council transport commissioner Martin Low said on Saturday: “This was a pre-emptive decision in response to concerns about possible crushing on the pavements as a result of narrower walkways, which are being caused by ongoing construction works.

“The council is hopeful that a redesign of the building site will be possible going forward, but cannot rule out further weekend traffic closures at this stage.

“Our paramount concern is to ensure the safety of pedestrians during this busy weekend of Christmas shopping in Oxford Street.”