Over 15,000 properties were left without water and hundreds of homes flooded after a water main burst in Merton High Street on Sunday on the hottest day of the year so far.

A 30 inch water pipe burst at 9 o’clock on Sunday morning, leaving hundreds of homes as well as businesses flooded and without power in the Merton area, including Merton Council’s housing estate, High Path.

The London Fire Brigade were quick to respond, pumping flooded water back into the River Wandle, while the police redirected local traffic. Thames Water worked quickly to repair the water main. Water was restored by 4pm the same day and power returned to most properties by 8pm. Merton High Street will be closed for several days between Merton Road and Haydons Road while Thames Water carry out repairs.

Merton Council provided 800 sandbags to properties affected and set up a rest centre at Merton Civic Centre together with the Red Cross.

Speaking about the incident, Council Leader Cllr David Williams said: ‘I would like to thank the public for their patience during the incident on what was the hottest day of the year so far. I would also like to thank all the emergency services for their prompt and efficient response. They worked tirelessly throughout the day to get the situation under control and restore water and power back to the properties affected.’

Thames Water have provided a customer information help line for anyone affected by the incident: 0845 920 0800.