A burst water main flooded a road in Tankerton affecting supplies to nearby homes this morning.

The eight-inch diameter pipe in Bennells Avenue fractured at around 5.30am and the escaping water froze in the below zero temperatures making road and pavements treacherous.

South East Water say they immediately called a contractor to the scene who put down salt to reduce the risk.

They hope the repair work will be completed later today.

Spokesman Jo Shippey said: "A number of properties in the area may have been affected by low pressure and between 9.15 am 10am properties may have been without water while repair work began.

"The very low temperatures this morning coupled with the escaping water resulted in it freezing, as a result our contractors have put extra salt on the affected area to minimise disruption to pedestrians and motorists.

"South East Water would like to apologise to pedestrians and motorists for the inconvenience this burst has caused and thank them for their patience while the repair is carried out."