Homes flooded after massive water main burst turns street into ‘a river’

Firefighters were called to Belsize Road at 2.40am today

People have been evacuated from their homes in a flooded neighbourhood in London after a water main burst in the early hours of this morning.

Videos shared on social media show water pouring on a road in Camden, turning it into ‘a river’.

Footage shows vehicles parked on Belsize Road partially submerged in the murky water, which had also entered flats on ground floors and basements.

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters rushed to the scene to deal with the flooding affecting a number of properties.

The fire brigade said multiple homes have been flooded and firefighters had to lead around 20 residents to safety.

London Fire Brigade deputy assistant commissioner Andy Williams said from the scene: ‘There are significant road closures in place and we are asking people to avoid the area where possible.

‘The water authority are working to isolate the burst water main and firefighters are expected to remain on scene for a number of hours.

‘Crews are using flood barriers and a high volume pumping unit to divert flood water.’

Leader of Camden Council, Georgia Gould, said a rest centre has been set up for affected residents at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre.

Thames Water confirmed local houses in north-west London, in the postcodes of NW2, NW6, NW8 and NW10, could be experiencing no or low water pressure as a result of the burst main.

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The company said in a statement: ‘We are sorry if you have been affected by the burst main pipe in NW6.

‘We are working with the local emergency services to make sure all residents are safe as a priority, whilst our engineers continue to shut off the pipe valves in the surrounding area.

‘If your home has been flooded, we’re so sorry, we know this must be distressing.’

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At least 20 people have been evacuated to safety.