Wolverhampton Combined Court evacuated - here's why
The Express & Star’s Chief Reporter Deborah Hardiman is at the scene
Wolverhampton Combined Court Centre was evacuated as part of a drill on Tuesday afternoon (November 10).
People were evacuated from the court building in Pipers Row at around 2pm.
The Express & Star’s Chief Reporter Deborah Hardiman, who was at the scene, said staff began returning at around 2.40pm.
She said: “There were approximately 100 people outside. Barristers and jurors are now going back in. Most folk will have to go through the security checks again.
“The jurors were escorted well away from the building and other evacuated members of the public by court ushers.
“Around six officers from the adjacent Bilston Street police station attended and remained at the court entrance throughout.”
Meanwhile, around half a mile away, Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court in North Street was also evacuated at around the same time.
This was after a smoker inadvertently triggered the building’s smoke alarms, keeping GeoAmey security staff busy.