Old Bailey: smoke seen pluming near London court as 'explosions' heard nearby

The Old Bailey in London has been evacuated following reports of explosions heard near the iconic court. The City of London Police said the incident involved an electrical sub station and a total of 1,500 people were evacuated from the court and surrounding area.

T/Chief Inspector Tom Fisher said on X: "We were made aware of an incident at the Old Bailey at around 11am. Warwick Lane is currently closed and we are working with London Fire Brigade who are currently in attendance.

"There is no indication at this stage that this is anything other than an incident involving an electrical sub station. The London Fire Brigade reported that around 1,500 people were evacuated from the Old Bailey and surrounding area."

Earlier, smoke was seen pluming from the building. London Fire Brigade said in a a statement: "Firefighters are currently responding to reports of smoke coming from a building on Warwick Lane."

BBC journalist Nick Johnson posted on X about the situation, saying: "Black acrid smoke coming from rear of Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey - lights flickered inside before it was evacuated - firefighter says fire in section of building where electrical substation sits." The trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who are accused of killing their child, is currently ongoing at the court.