Explosions Rock Old Bailey, Courtrooms Evacuated
The high-profile manslaughter trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon was thrown into chaos today after explosions near the Old Bailey sparked a dramatic evacuation of the courthouse.
Smoke and Sirens: Firefighters Rush In
Fire crews raced to the scene shortly before 11am following reports of black acrid smoke and explosions at an electrical substation close to the court. The London Fire Brigade confirmed they are currently assessing multiple buildings on Warwick Lane, with the cause of the blasts under investigation.
Defendants Escorted Amid Emergency
Defendants, including Mark Gordon, were hurried out through a side exit and loaded into a prison van under tight security. Officers from the City of London Police shielded Gordon from public view during the evacuation as the courthouse was emptied.
Legal Chaos and Traffic Mayhem
- Several high-profile trials, including Marten and Gordon’s, were disrupted.
- Though no injuries were reported, the fire continues to burn with emergency teams working alongside UK Power Networks to control it.
- Nearby traffic is expected to suffer delays as emergency services remain on high alert.
The Old Bailey incident highlights the serious disruption caused to court operations at London’s historic legal heart. More updates will follow as the situation develops.
