The Old Bailey has been evacuated after reports of explosions nearby, with smoke seen pouring from a building next door.
London Fire Brigade said they had been called to smoke issuing from the Central Criminal Court. Seven fire engines and 25 firefighters have been dispatched and are on the scene.
The Recorder of London, Mark Lucraft KC, told The Independent staff inside the court heard several loud bangs and saw black billowing smoke from a suspected fire in a power substation at the back of the court building.
Fire fighters attending the incident in central London
(Independent)
“There was a fire,” he said. “What most of us heard was some loud bangs and black billowing smoke. Power went off in the building. As far as I’m aware it’s the substation that’s sited in the Old Bailey building, so we are just waiting for U.K. power to come and see it before the fire brigade can go in.”
London Fire Brigade said in a statement: ”Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters are responding to an incident involving an electrical substation on Warwick Lane, near the rear of the Old Bailey.
“Traffic in the area is likely to be impacted as we respond. The Brigade received the first of six calls reporting the incident at 1044. Firefighters from Dowgate, Soho and Dockhead Fire Station are at the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet known.”
Inside the Old Bailey’s Court 5, where the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon is in its third week, the lights started to flicker at around 10.40am before the power went out leaving the court in darkness.
Shortly afterwards, the fire alarm was sounded. Hundreds of people were evacuated, filing out of the building’s front entrance.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
