The Old Bailey in central London has been evacuated after a fire broke out near the courthouse.
London Fire Brigade said on Wednesday it was responding to an incident at an electrical substation behind the Central Criminal Court.
Fire services were called to the scene at 10:44 a.m., with four fire engines and 25 firefighters on the scene. Fire officials advised people to avoid the area and said traffic could be affected.
BBC journalist Nick Johnson was in court when the fire broke out. He told the They say there was a fire.”
He told the BBC that he heard the hum of electricity before the courtroom went dark, followed by an alarm over the sound system telling people to leave the building quickly. He also added that there was a smell of smoke, similar to when a light bulb went out.
All court proceedings were postponed. The trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, charged with gross negligence manslaughter in the death of their newborn daughter while on the run from authorities, has been suspended due to a fire.
Times journalist David Brown Said “For about 10 minutes before the smoke started, a series of explosions could be heard coming from the building next to the Old Bailey.” [emerged]”, he added, adding that buildings in the area appeared to be without power.
Regarding the scene outside the courtroom, Brown said the barristers were “freezing outside in gowns and wigs with no coats on.” Judge Mark Lecraft, Recorder of London; Said Brown, he heard a loud bang and saw smoke. He said it was too early to tell when the case would be reopened.
UK Power Networks, which supplies electricity to 8.3 million homes and businesses in London, east and south-east England, said: “Engineers responded to a report of a fire affecting power supplies at 11.10am. “I was called to Paternoster Square in London.” . We will do our best to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible. ”
Around £3m has been set aside for improvements to the Old Bailey. In December, a pedestrian was hospitalized after pieces of the courthouse’s ceremonial gate fell onto the road below. London councilor Timothy Hales said the stonework was in an “advanced state of decay”.
