Homes in north London have been flooded by a burst water main

60 firefighters have been helping residents move out of their homes around Belsize Road

Frozen tap
Author: Alex RichardsonPublished 17th Dec 2022

A number of people have been evacuated from their homes after a burst water main flooded a street in Camden

Around 60 firefighters were called to Belsize Road in Camden at 2:50am on Saturday morning after a 42-inch water main burst, causing flooding to a depth of half a metre across an area of around 800 metres.

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

LFB deputy assistant commissioner Andy Williams said from the scene: "There are significant road closures in place and we're 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.

"A rest centre has been set up for affected residents at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre."

Thames Water said 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.

The company said in a statement: "We're 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.

"Our support teams are on their way to help customers experiencing low pressure or no water."