Court building evacuated and trams halted in Birmingham after “substance” spill

Tram services were disrupted in Birmingham after reports of an unknown “substance” inside a court building in Bull Street this afternoon.

The area immediately outside the Civil Justice Centre, and the Lord Chancellor’s office, was sealed off by emergency services shortly after 4pm on Tuesday (28 March) and people evacuated out of the government building.

The West Midlands Metro tram stop between Bull Street and Corporation Street was out of operation as fire crews arrived at the scene and quickly placed a cordon around the area which resulted in tram services being halted in both directions during peak travel period.

Police, ambulance and fire crews were at the scene and security checks were carried out and members of the public advised to avoid Bull Street.

By 7pm, the emergency services had removed the cordon and declared the area safe.

A spokesperson for the fire service, said: “We’re pleased to confirm this incident is now finished.

“The substance was identified as not hazardous to the public. Our crews will soon be leaving the scene and Bull Street will be reopened.”

However, despite the cordon being lifted, metro passengers faced further delays due to a broken tram between the Library of Birmingham and Edgbaston Village.