Constance Marten trial halted after explosions heard near Old Bailey

07 February 2024 , 11:05

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Constance Marten trial halted after explosions heard near Old Bailey

The Old Bailey has been closed for the day after an explosion at the historic courthouse saw 1,500 people evacuated.

Power went off inside the courtrooms and trials, including that of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon who are accused of the killing their own baby, were paused and have now stopped for the day while safety checks are carried out.

Defendants, including Gordon, were seen being walked out of a side exit to the court and into waiting prison vans. They were escorted by uniformed City of London Police officers. And jurors from all 17 courts have been sent home for the day.

Eyewitnesses say there were four fire engines at the scene and black acrid smoke was spotted billowing from the back of the building. Nick Johnson, a BBC journalist, tweeted to say: "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."

Recorder of London Judge Mark Lucraft, the most senior judge at the Old Bailey who is presiding over a trial, shared details of the incident. 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 substation situated in the Old Bailey building. We are waiting for UK power to come and see before the fire brigade can go in."

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Reports suggest that neighbouring buildings also experienced power cuts, compounding the disruption caused by the incident.

A London Fire Brigade spokeswoman said: "Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters are responding to an incident involving an electrical substation on Warwick Lane near the Old Bailey. Traffic in the area is likely to be impacted as a result.”

Firefighters are dealing with the fire (UKNIP)

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.

Chief Inspector Tom Fisher from the City of London Police, told the Mirror: “We were made aware of an incident at the Old Bailey at around 11am. Warwick Lane is currently closed and we are working with London Fire Brigade who are in attendance.

"There is no indication at this stage that this is anything other than an incident involving an electrical sub station. London Fire Brigade reported that around 1,500 people were evacuated from the Old Bailey and surrounding area.”

Kelly-Ann Mills