Lawyers refuse to go into Portsmouth court building after fire alarm failsÂ

The News understands a contingency plan was drawn up in court for staff to alert people in the building if there is an alarm.

But solicitors from Wessex Solicitors and Rowe Sparkes forms have not entered today over their concerns.

Lawyer Howard Barrington-Clark said: '˜My concern is that people are not being told that there's no audible fire alarm.'

Concerns have been raised about the situation with the defendants on remand in locked cells if there was a fire.

The fire alarm is working but it will not sound in the building.

Kate Watts, from Rowe Sparkes, said: '˜I've gone in today as a guinea pig, haven't been informed.

'˜The three members of the public behind me were not informed.'

Some cases have got underway today.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said the announcement system had a fault so the fire alert panel will be staffed all times, with notice put around the court.

She said: '˜The health and safety of court users is our priority and contingency plans are in place to ensure people are immediately aware in case of emergency.'

The Ministry of Justice said the Crown Premises Fire Inspection Group has approved contingency plans.