The Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey remains closed today after 1,500 people were evacuated from the court and surrounding area yesterday following an electrical substation fire.

Repairs are being carried out after the ground floor substation, on Warwick Lane, near the rear of the court buildings, was partly damaged in the incident.

London Fire brigade said it received the first of six calls reporting the incident at 10.44 yesterday and the fire was under control by 2.07pm.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to the incident and firefighters worked with UK Power Networks to make the scene safe and bring the fire under control.

All 18 courtrooms are closed today which the Criminal Bar Association described as an ‘unprecedented closure’ on social media site X.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

An HMCTS spokesperson said: ’We’re grateful to the London Fire Brigade for their quick response and to all those who ensured the swift and safe evacuation of the court yesterday. The Central Criminal Court will remain closed while we wait for power to be restored. Alternative arrangements will be made for hearings impacted.’

Old Bailey fire

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters responded to the incident on Warwick Lane

Source: Bianca Castro