A FIVE inch water main burst in Grays High Street this morning (Saturday, 29 June) sending water cascading along the pedestrian thoroughfare.

Areas of the street were cordoned off. Shops were forced to close.

Essex and Suffolk Water engineers were alerted and are working on a problem.

The water company issued the following statement at 1pm: "We were made aware of a burst on a 5-inch water main on Grays High Street, also affecting George Street this morning.

"Our engineers are on-site and have isolated the main. Work is now underway to understand the extent of the issue and initiate a full repair, which we hope will be completed within three to four hours. 

"Unfortunately, the water supply of around 75 commercial and residential properties has been affected.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their patience while the repair takes place."