The Old Bailey, London's historic Central Criminal Court, was evacuated after a fire broke out nearby, prompting concern and disruption.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang and seeing black smoke emanating from the rear of the court building as a fire blazed in a wing nearby. Inside the Old Bailey, lights flickered and then went out before a fire alarm sounded, prompting evacuation procedures.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) stated that an electrical substation on Warwick Lane, adjacent to the court, was involved in the incident.

Outside the court, judges, barristers adorned in traditional black gowns and wigs, jurors, and court staff gathered, awaiting further information. Defendants were escorted out of a side exit and into waiting prison vans, under the supervision of City of London Police officers.

Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties thus far, according to sources.

UK Power Networks confirmed that the fire had impacted power supplies in the area, and efforts were underway to restore them.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, disclosed to the BBC that the fire had originated in an electrical substation.

Eyewitnesses described a sudden electrical humming noise inside the courtroom, followed by darkness and the blare of the fire alarm. All proceedings at the Old Bailey were subsequently postponed.

Firefighters swiftly responded to the scene, with four fire engines and approximately 25 firefighters deployed.

As a precaution, security officials informed barristers and other court attendees that reentry to the Old Bailey would only occur after thorough safety checks.

Both LFB and UK Power Networks advised the public to steer clear of the area, as traffic disruptions were anticipated. Efforts to restore power supplies were underway, with a focus on safety and efficiency. Photo by The Old Bailey by Nigel Cox, Wikimedia commons.