Burst main sparks flood as homes left with no water

A burst water main on the edge of Bristol has caused flooding, with hundreds of residents experiencing low water pressure or no supply.

Bristol Water has said properties in the BS34, BS32, BS7 and BS10 postcodes are affected by the burst main between Hammond Road and Hayes Way in Patchway.

A spokesperson for the firm said it was "working as quickly as possible" to repair the "significant burst", which was reported at 04:30 BST.

The leak initially impacted 8,813 customers, but the spokesperson said that had reduced to 1,442 and added the firm was looking to deliver bottled water to its most vulnerable customers.

An update posted on Bristol Water's social media pages at 15:00 BST said that supply will be returned to all customers shortly, after water is moved from other areas of its network.

Customers were also advised to run their cold tap for up to 30 minutes to clear any discolouration when supplies returned.

"We apologise to those affected by the disruption and will continue to keep customers updated regularly," they added.

A welfare vehicle, set up to support those affected by flooding, has been placed on Longleaze Drive.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said it had been in attendance, working to isolate electrical supplies and channel water into drainage systems.

The fire service added there were no reported casualties and crews have since left the scene.

Diversions had been in place due to road closures, but have since been lifted.

Shannon, who lives nearby, said she was woken up at 05:20 by police evacuating her home.

"We got our animals into their car carriers. Went to try to leave, couldn't leave," she said.

While the water did not make it into Shannon's house, she said it was "slowly climbing" up to her back and front doors, which she described as "absolutely terrifying".

Local resident Portia said she woke up to find "waist deep" water in her garden.

"It felt like we was underwater and at a water park.

"The sound was as if we were at Niagra Falls. It was crazy but it was a fun experience."

"I've never seen that much water unless it's been in a lake," she added.

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