Wolverhampton Crown Court 'evacuated amid emergency situation'

Wolverhampton Crown Court had to be 'evacuated' and cases brought to a stop. The court experienced a serious flood, forcing the building to abruptly close.

Cases listed at the main court building in Pipers Row for Thursday, September 20 were put back and adjourned. Some were instead heard at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court, where the city's crown court hearings sometimes take place.

It was understood the issue was now being fixed. Judge Neil Chawla today, Friday, September 20, told jurors sitting on a case at the court about the incident.

READ MORE: I'm A Celebrity star rushed to hospital 'after being thrown from horse'

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

He explained how one of the courtrooms in the building became 'flooded'. Concerns were then raised the water might affect the court's electrical system.

It meant the building had to be shut down. He said: "As a result, the court had to be evacuated. That has now been isolated, I'm told.

"The courts are now safe. That courtroom is not sitting. It is closed off in order to conduct repairs." Cases resumed at Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier today.