Two families have been left homeless after a huge burst water main burst.

Emergency services and Essex and Suffolk Water rushed to Stifford Hill, South Ockendon at about 3.30pm today.

READ MORE- MAIN STORY: Road collapses as water main bursts, causing chaos

The incident has also affected nearby roads including Cullen Square and Cruick Avenue.

Essex Fire Service and Essex and Sufflok Water are on scene dealing with the incident.

Echo:

Scene - water gushing out of the road

Incident Commander Russell Freeman said: "Our crews have done a great job in pumping hundreds of thousands of litres of water away from the properties and the road.

"We're pleased to say the burst water main has been completely isolated and the water has dropped to a level where it is no longer affecting properties.

"Overall 50 houses were affected by the flood water and sadly two families have been left homeless.

"We're continuing to work with our partner agencies to manage the scene as well as ensure every single household has all the information and support they need."

Images and videos show the road is covered in deep water. The frothing and bubbling water can be seen rising from various points in the street.

One witness who filmed the incident unfolding said during his video: "If you're going to come through Ockendon I'd advise you not to. The road has collapsed and burst the water mains and it's just going everywhere.

"Houses in the distance are flooded, flooded, flooded. I don't know what they are going to do but whatever it is, it's going to be major and it's going to have to be quick. They reckon it's about four or five deep, looks like Ockendon is a no go zone at the moment."

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: "We were made aware of a burst on a large water pipe in Stifford Road in South Ockendon, which caused flooding to customers’ properties and major structural damage to Stifford Road. Our crews immediately attended and stopped the burst.

 

“We are aware of a number of customers who have been affected by flooding to their properties and we have a response team on site liaising with them. We wholeheartedly apologise for the impact this has had on these customers and we will work with them and support them during this time.

 

“Work will now take place to repair the pipe and the road which was badly damaged by the burst, we expect the road to be closed for a number of days. We would also like to apologise for any inconvenience caused while we carry out the repair and would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding.”