Old Bailey courthouse evacuated after fire broke out near the court

A fire near the Old Bailey courthouse in central London prompted the evacuation of the building. The London Fire Brigade responded to the incident at an electrical substation behind the central criminal court. Four fire engines and 25 firefighters were dispatched to the scene after receiving the call at 10:44 am. Authorities advised people to steer clear of the area, warning of potential traffic disruptions.

BBC journalist Nick Johnson, who was present at the courthouse, reported seeing black acrid smoke emanating from the rear of the building. He described lights flickering inside before the evacuation order was issued. Johnson noted the presence of firefighters tackling the fire in the section housing the electrical substation.

The courtroom experienced a power outage and sounded an alarm, prompting a swift evacuation. Proceedings at the Old Bailey, including the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, were postponed due to the fire. Marten and Gordon are facing charges of manslaughter by gross negligence following the death of their newborn daughter while evading authorities.


Witnesses reported hearing a series of explosions preceding the emergence of smoke from a nearby building. Barristers, left standing outside without coats, described the cold conditions. Judge Mark Lucraft, the recorder of London, recounted hearing a loud bang and witnessing smoke, indicating uncertainty regarding the resumption of court activities.

UK Power Networks confirmed that the fire had impacted power supplies in the area and pledged to restore them swiftly and safely. This incident follows concerns raised about the Old Bailey's infrastructure, with nearly £3 million allocated for improvement works. In December, a pedestrian was injured by falling debris from the courthouse's ceremonial gates, highlighting structural issues in need of attention.