Burst water main causes 4ft flood in London borough of Islington

A burst water main has caused flooding up to 4ft deep in London.

Emergency services were called to the scene in the northern borough of Islington just after 7am this morning, with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters in place on Hornsey Road.

Charlie, a business owner in Islington told Sky News: "We were stood by the door trying to push the water out as much as we can. We just didn't realise how serious it was until we noticed it was like an endless battle and the water kept flooding into the shop.

"We are stranded here while the fire brigade helped our colleagues and escorted them to a safe place.

"Everything was floating in the shop, I don't even want to look inside."

He added: "The whole shop needs a refurbishment. We are going to need new flooring, all the fridges, I couldn't believe it, they were half full of water - they all needed replacing."

Craig, a resident in Islington, said: "My alarm went off at 9am and I put my toes out the bed and it was wet.

"It was frantic - I went around trying to save everything in the house, documents, passports, chucking everything on the bed.

"When I opened the door it came in like a tsunami. It came right to my knees. I went into panic mode."

A Thames Water spokesperson apologised to customers who are experiencing lower pressure than normal or have no water at all this morning.

"Our engineers were quickly on the scene and have stopped the flow of water, which is now draining away," the company said.

"We're doing all we can to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and we're pro-actively contacting everyone in the affected area who has pre-registered with us as having special requirements, such as being medically reliant on water, so we can make sure we give them the help and support they need."

Residents told to move to a higher level

Station commander Matt Brown, who was at the scene, said: "Flood water is affecting Hornsey Road, Tollington Road and a leisure centre.

"There are multiple road closures in place while crews work to make the scene safe. People are urged to avoid the area.

"Firefighters are using flood barriers to divert water.

"If you are affected by flood water, if possible (and without putting yourself at risk) move to a higher level."

Chris Dodsworth, a civil servant who lives in the area, described the situation as "quite stressful" and said water levels appear to be rising.

He said: "I woke up around 7.30am and realised I could hear the sound of running water outside which was obviously strange, especially given the weather recently.

"My first thought was that it had rained overnight, but then I obviously glanced out the window and just saw that the whole street and connecting roads were utterly submerged.

"It's so strange to be around so much water (especially in this time of drought)…what a day of contrast."