Rescue boats evacuate people trapped in homes by huge flood in London
Rescue boats have been helping to evacuate people left trapped by a huge flood in London.
About 50 firefighters were sent to King Street in Hammersmith after a burst water main caused flood water to gush down the road.
Pictures posted on social media showed murky water filling the street, as people reported being stuck in restaurants or cars.
Burst water main on King Street, Hammersmith pic.twitter.com/uUxf91qQ6p
-- Rob Walker (@robiwalker) January 26, 2018
Water levels rose to about nine inches, with flooding stretching across 200 metres.
London Fire Brigade said it had evacuated seven people from their homes.
Station Manager Paul Fitzgerald said: "Fire crews are using boats to assist people who need to leave their homes, although the majority of residents are able to stay in their property.
"Sand bags are also being provided to help stop water from entering buildings.
"Crews are continuing to pump water away and Thames Water is at the scene investigating.
"We advise people to avoid the area if they can, as a number of road closures are in place and Ravenscourt Park Tube station is closed."
Thames Water said it was working to fix the "major burst", adding: "We are sorry, and working to resolve the situation as quickly as we can. We are aware some customers are without water or have low pressure. We will post updates as we have them."
Our engineers are onsite (and more on there way) at the mains burst in King Street #Hammersmith We are sorry, and working to resolve the situation as quickly as we can. We are aware some customers are without water or have low pressure. We will post updates as we have them.
-- Thames Water (@thameswater) January 26, 2018
One man wrote on Twitter: "@thameswater Please rescue us. We are stuck in a restaurant - pho district and can't step out. The water is freezing."
Please rescue us. We are stuck in a restaurant - pho district and can't step out. The water is freezing. Just stepped in and couldn't bear it for more than 10 December. #HELP#w6#waterlogging
-- Sumeet Ambré (@sumeetambre) January 26, 2018
Another wrote: "Burst water main causing chaos in King Street, Hammersmith..somewhat stuck as my car is there."
Burst water main causing chaos in King Strret, Hammersmith..somewhat stuck as my car is there. pic.twitter.com/e7sbKu1XG7
-- Eddie Wade (@eddiemw) January 26, 2018
People living in the area also reported problems with water flow in their homes.
The fire service said it was called at 8.15pm on Friday, with four rescue units equipped with boats sent to the scene.