Ruislip flooding: Burst main submerges west London road causing sinkhole to open

Chloe Chaplain4 January 2017

A burst water main has left a residential road in west London submerged in several inches of water - sparking chaos for morning commuters and causing a sinkhole to open up.

Footage taken first thing on Wednesday morning shows fast-flowing water gushing down Breakspear Road South in Ruislip.

Hillingdon police have issued an alert warning people to avoid the area and attributing the flood to a burst main.

They tweeted just after 5.30am: "*WARNING* Breakspear Road South CLOSED **Major Flooding** Avoid area."

Police said the London Fire Brigade were also on the scene trying to help residents and commuters.

Those travelling to work first thing were forced to opt for a different route and roads are due to remain closed for much of the day.

Hillingdon police tweeted again at 8am, saying: "The flow of water has subsided, however; Breakspear Road South will be *CLOSED* for the foreseeable #PleaseHavePatience #WetFeet."

They then added at 9am: "Breakspear Rd South, Ruislip is closed for a while, due to a large sink hole which has been created by an pipe which has burst. Drive safely."

Breakspear Road South, Tile Kiln Road and surrounding roads are closed as water company Affinity Water and London Fire Brigade work to stop the flooding.

An Affinity Water spokesperson said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by a burst on an 18” main in Breakspear Road South, Ickenham on Wednesday 4 January.

"Our technicians were on site by 6.30am to shut down the main and begin repairs. The flooding is now subsiding and water was restored by 8.15am.

"The road is currently closed to ensure the safety of commuters and our technicians working to repair the main. The repair to the water main should be complete by the end of today and we are currently assessing the damage caused to the road before restoration begins.

"We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst we carry out these essential repairs.”

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