‘Explosions’ near Old Bailey as smoke billows from windows & fire crews scramble to the scene

EXPLOSIONS have reportedly been heard near the Old Bailey today as smoke erupted from windows.

Firefighters were called to a building beside the criminal court in central London shortly before 11am.

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The Old Bailey was evacuated and power cuts have been reported in nearby buildings.

Trials were derailed after lights went off in the court rooms following a fire, suspected to be an electrical fault.

Warwick Lane smelt of heavy smoke as firefighters arrived to assess the issue.

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

Recorder of London Judge Mark Lucraft, who is presiding over Constance Marten and Mark Gordon's trial, told The Sun he believes the substation has gone.

He said: "What most of us heard was a loud bang and some black billowing smoke.

"Power went off in the building. As far as I'm aware it's the sub station situated in the Old Bailey building.

"We are waiting for UK power to come and see before the fire brigade can go in.

"They have contained it."

A witness wrote on X: "Series of explosions heard from building next to Old Bailey for about 10 minutes before smoke emerges.

"Many buildings seem to have suffered power cuts."

A BBC journalist at the scene tweeted: "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."