Explosions have been heard at London’s Old Bailey, with smoke seen pouring into a street at the back of the court. Dozens of firefighters are at the scene this morning.

Witnesses reported seeing “black acrid smoke” coming from the historic Central Criminal Court as lights flickered inside before everyone was evacuated.

The Express understands a “security alert” was issued inside the court when the explosions were heard.

London Fire Brigade received six calls reporting the incident, with the first received at 10.44am. Firefighters from Dowgate, Soho and Dockhead Fire Station are at the scene.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but an electrical substation appears to be part of the firefighters’ focus.

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