Burst water main causes flooding on Oxford Road

A burst water main has caused flooding on the University of Manchester's campus and led to the closure of Oxford Road.

Emergency services were called to reports of flooding at about 6am on Wednesday, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said.

The service said firefighters were working to minimise damage and remove water from buildings.

The library and students' union on the University of Manchester campus were among the buildings closed as a result of the flooding, which was declared a major incident by water company United Utilities.

The fire service spokesman said: "The flooding is caused by a burst water main and is creating substantial disruption to the local area.

"Oxford Road is closed between Booth Street and Grafton Street and six fire engines and a Command Unit are in attendance.

"United Utilities have declared a major incident and are at the scene alongside Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council and representatives of the University of Manchester.''

The burst main was located by United Utilities shortly before 9am, the fire service said.

The University of Manchester said nine of its buildings were closed as a result of the flood.

A university spokesman said: "There is currently extensive flooding on the Oxford Road area of our campus.

"This is due to a broken water main on Oxford Road. The flooding is severely disrupting travel to the site, and has forced the closure of several buildings.''