Security outside Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court has been beefed up after squatters entered the building on Thursday (November 16).

They were inside the building for less than an hour, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), but caused disruption, with scheduled hearings moved to Westminster.

The incident has been referred to police.

The Talgarth Road court is set to close later this year as part of MoJ plans.

The county and youth courts have already left, while the magistrates’ court will close on December 1, with cases moved to Hendon.

Additional security measures have been introduced following the intrusion, including 24 hour security guards.

A MoJ spokesman said: “Squatters illegally entered Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court on Thursday November 16 and were on site for less than an hour. The incident has been referred to the police.”

Hammersmith Magistrates' Court

Scheduled hearings resumed at Hammersmith on Monday (November 20).

In recent years the court has been scene of celebrity cases.

Shanique Pearson was convicted of road rage offences against BBC presenter Jeremy Vine earlier this year (see video above), and rugby star Danny Cipriani appeared there at the beginning of 2016 to deny drink driving charges .

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