STAFF at Reading Crown Court have been allowed back in after an evacuation due to a basement fire.

A total of six fire crews from across the county rushed scene after the alarm was raised at around 1.55pm today.

No one was injured but scores of people had to be evacuated and assemble outside the court in The Forbury.

The fire started in a light fitting in the court's basement and was safely isolated before staff were given the all clear to return inside.

A spokesman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 1.55pm to a fire in a light fitting in a basement at Reading Crown Court.

"We had to isolate the fitting and the hand back the building to the responsible person on site.

"We had six crews there in total from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road, Dee Road, Wokingham, Ascot and Wargrave.

"We needed such a turnout because of the age and size of the building."

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said they could not speak in detail about how people in custody are dealt with but added: "If they were dangerous they would be handcuffed and accompanied by officers or in a van.

"If necessary if there was an extended fire they may go to local custody elsewhere."