The Old Bailey has been evacuated as a precaution following a fire at a nearby electrical substation, the London Fire Brigade has said.

The building was plunged into darkness after a loud bang was heard and black smoke billowed near the historic building.

Dozens of barristers in black gowns and wigs lined the street after the fire alert at the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey.

Tom Fisher, a chief inspector in the City of London police, said: “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 currently 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.”

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Barristers and other court users were told by security officials 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, escorted by uniformed City of London Police officers.

About 25 firefighters responded to an incident near the rear of the court, the fire brigade said.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known,” it said in a statement.

It said nearby traffic was likely to be affected and urged people to avoid the area.

A reporter for The Times newspaper said the building was evacuated after the power went off.

In a post on X, David Brown quoted the most senior judge at the court, Judge Mark Lucraft, saying it was “too early” to know when cases would be able to resume.

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BBC News journalist Nick Johnson said “black acrid smoke” could be seen coming from a building at the rear of the court.

“Lights flickered inside before it was evacuated – firefighter says fire in section of buildings where electrical substation sits,” he tweeted.

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