Old Bailey reopens for business after fire

Old Bailey
Author: Louise EastonPublished 12th Feb 2024

The Old Bailey has reopened for business today after an electrical fire closed it last week

On Wednesday hundreds were evacuated after the accidental blaze inside the high-security building.

It caused the power to go out with windowless courtrooms being plunged into complete darkness.

On Friday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, said the building would reopen at noon on Monday following emergency works to restore power.

He said various health and safety checks were needed before normal business could resume.

The Old Bailey is the world's most famous criminal court and has high levels of security as it hears major criminal cases, including murder and terrorism trials.

In the past, it has been identified as a high-value terror target and was badly damaged in an IRA car bomb attack in 1973.

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