- Written by Liz Jackson & PA Media
- BBC news
WATCH: Old Bailey evacuated after fire
People have been evacuated after a fire broke out at the Old Bailey in central London.
A loud explosion was heard and black smoke was seen rising from the rear of the Central Criminal Court after a fire broke out in one of the buildings.
A BBC reporter said all the lights in the building flickered and went out before the fire alarm went off.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) said an electrical substation in nearby Warwick Lane was involved.
Judges, barristers, jurors and court staff in black gowns and wigs stood outside the building waiting for updates.
The defendants were seen exiting through a side exit and getting into a waiting prison van, escorted by uniformed City of London Police officers.
The BBC said no casualties have been reported so far.
UK Power Networks said the fire had affected electricity supply in the area and it was working to restore it.
“The case has been adjourned.”
Judge Mark Lecraft KC, the Recorder of London and the Old Bailey’s most senior judge, also told the BBC that the fire started at an electrical substation.
Traces of black smoke can be seen on the wall near the Old Bailey.
The BBC’s Nick Johnson said there was a humming noise in the courtroom before it went dark, followed by an alarm blaring from the sound system telling people to leave the building quickly.
There was a smell of smoke, similar to when a light bulb went out, he continued, adding that all proceedings at the Old Bailey had been postponed.
Security officials said court users will be allowed back inside after security screenings are conducted.
A worker at an adjacent building told the BBC he heard a rumbling sound before the black smoke appeared.
Barristers and other court users were told by security officials that they would not be allowed to return to the Old Bailey until security checks were carried out.
According to the LFB, the call was received at 10:44 p.m. Japan time, and four fire engines and about 25 firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
The region advised people to avoid the area and said traffic could be affected.
Dozens of firefighters converge on two fire engines near the Old Bailey
UK Power Networks said: “Engineers were called to Paternoster Square in London at 11:10 GMT following reports of a fire which affected the power supply.”
“We will work to restore supplies as quickly and safely as possible.”