Top 10: Burst pipe leaves 150 north London homes under water

A burst water main has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes in north London.

About 350 people from 150 properties had to flee after a 30-inch pipe burst in Northwold Road, Stoke Newington, on Sunday, leaving nearby streets under 3ft (1 metre) of water.

Thames Water said it had begun a full investigation into the incident, which followed similar instances of mains bursting in Blackheath in south-east London, on Saturday, and in Islington, north London, last Monday.

Bob Collington, director of Thames Water, said it had been an “extremely difficult week”.

He added: “I am personally devastated for those customers who have suffered flooding so close to Christmas. We are doing everything we can to help them and will make sure they are not left out of pocket for what has happened.

“The bursts are a clear reminder that we need to keep investing in our ageing and sometimes fragile network, with many pipes in London well over 100 years old.”

London fire brigade station manager Nicol McCallum, who was at the scene, said: “Crews used specialist inflatable boats to evacuate the most vulnerable residents and help others recover valuables. Firefighters laid down sandbags to try and minimise the water damage.”

Six fire engines and two fire and rescue units from stations including Stoke Newington, Homerton, Tottenham and Bethnal Green. The brigade said several basements were left under water by the flooding.

Hackney council said Stoke Newington town hall had been made available for emergency accommodation for anyone forced out of their homes.