The Old Bailey court in central London has been evacuated following a fire at the building. Around 1500 people were forced to leave surrounding buildings in the area after black smoke emerged from the courthouse’s Central Criminal Court. There has been so far no report of any casualties.
Fire crews have stated that the electrical substation on Warwick Lane was involved in the fire. UK Power Networks has confirmed that power supplies in the area were impacted by the fire, and it is currently working to restore them.
The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, has informed BBC News that the fire was in a neighbouring electrical substation. Judges, jurors, court staff, and lawyers were forced to wait outside the building while awaiting further updates. Defendants were seen walking out of side exits and being escorted to waiting prison vehicles by City of London Police officers.
Jeremy Britton, the BBC’s Old Bailey producer, has suggested that defendants who were evacuated may be transported to other secure locations such as prison vehicles. It is as yet unclear when barristers and other court users will be permitted back inside the building
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More