Islington flood: Dozens of properties damaged as main bursts during water shortage warning

Around 50 properties have been damaged and four people rescued after a water main burst in north London.

Emergency services were called to Islington on Monday morning after a 4ft deep flood washed through Hornsey Road.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) later clarified the burst water main caused a 3ft deep flood and two sinkholes.

Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to the scene, with crews helping two adults and two children to safety after they were unable to leave their flat, LFB said.

The two adults and two children were not injured.

Fire crews have started to withdraw from the scene but multiple road closures are expected to be in place “for some time” as repairs are under way, the brigade added. Station commander Matt Brown, who was at the scene, said: “Flood water affected Hornsey Road, Tollington Road and a leisure centre. “There is severe congestion in the area and multiple road closures are expected to be in place for some time whilst our partners work to carry out repairs. People are urged to avoid the area. “Firefighters used flood barriers to divert water and assisted two adults and two children to safety. There were no reports of any injuries. “If you are affected by flood water, if possible (and without putting yourself at risk) move to a higher level.”

Thames Water, which supplies water to the area, remains at the scene. A spokesperson for the water company said: “We’re sorry to customers experiencing lower pressure than normal or no water this morning due to a burst pipe. “Our engineers were quickly on the scene and have stopped the flow of water, which is now draining away. “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.”

'What a day of contrast'

Chris Dodsworth, a civil servant who lives in the area, described the situation as “quite stressful”. He told said: “I woke up around 7.30 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.”

Liz Clutterbuck, 41, a vicar at Emmanuel Church, told PA: “The flood stretches all the way to Arthur Road. The houses between Arthur Road and Tollington Way have water above the bottom of their front doors. “The Sobell (leisure centre) is flooded by several feet – could see it at least two feet high on the external exits in the car park. Water still seemed to be flowing fast an hour ago.” Reverend Clutterbuck added that the church is open for residents to use if they need to. A member of staff for the Tollington Arms, in Hornsey Road, said: “It happened about 7am and within minutes there was flooding like a tsunami. “The fire service were down very quickly and we hope, along with Thames Water, they can get things back to normal as quickly as possible.” A spokeswoman for GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates the Sobell on behalf of Islington Council, said the lower ground floor of the building had flooded, prompting staff and customers to be evacuated and closed for the day.

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