Investigation into fire which caused the Old Bailey to be evacuated
Smoke was seen pouring from an electrical substation at the back of the central London court
A fire at an electrical substation at the back of The Old Bailey has been brought under control.
The central criminal court in central London had to be evacuated earlier on Wednesday (7th Feb) .
Four fire engines and 25 fire fighters were called to the scene on Warwick Lane - which is at the back of the Court.
Smoke was seen coming from an electrical substation in videos posted on social media on Wednesday lunchtime.
A loud bang was heard and black smoke billowed from near the historic building.
Dozens of barristers in black gowns and wigs lined the street following the fire alert at the Central Criminal Court in central London. A total of around 1,500 people - including lawyers, defendants and jurors - had to leave the building.
The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, was seen liaising with court staff and firefighters who had entered the Old Bailey and gathered around Warwick Lane.
Barristers and other court users were told by security officials that they would not be allowed to go back inside until after safety checks had been carried out.
Defendants were seen being walked out of a side exit and into a waiting prison van.
They were escorted by uniformed City of London Police officers.