A London court has been evacuated after a power failure reportedly compromised the security of the cells. Security hurriedly ushered around 60 people out of Thames Magistrates’ Court after the incident on Tuesday afternoon.

The electrics and lights failed at around 2.20pm, followed a few minutes later by a siren ringing throughout the building. A security guard told members of the public during the evacuation that followed: “The power went out and all the cell doors have been released." He added: “This is not a drill.” 

Thames Magistrates’ Court has a suite of cells which contain defendants in custody as they await their individual hearings.

Defendants accused of violence and knife possession were due to appear at the east London court on Tuesday.

Shortly after the evacuation, security staff could be seen standing guard outside the courthouse while lawyers, staff and members of the public were told to move to outside the nearby Bow Road tube station.

Business owners nearby told the Press Association that they had also experienced a power failure.