Dramatic footage shows water spurting out of the pavement around 15ft high.

It is not yet known what caused the “fountain” in Coldharbour Road, near the junction with Packham Road, in Northfleet.

Tia Mills, who lives in nearby Boucher Road, said she first saw the incident at around 12 pm today (November 8) when she saw a police forensics van pull up on the side of the road.

She added: “I saw the reflection in our window and went out to see what was going on and saw the water.

“It could just burst at any point. We have had some ongoing issues but nothing like this. It was like a fountain. It reached about 10 to 15 feet at one point.

“I could not tell you how much water has been lost but it is a hell of a lot.”

The 29-year-old said it was leaking for around an hour before a group put a cover over it to slow it down – but water is thought to still be flowing down the road.

Videos show vast amounts of water spurting upwards near the ellenor Hospice and pedestrian entrance into supermarket Morrisons while a few people watch on.

Residents said they had no water at one point but it has come back and their pressure has been affected.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it was made aware of a possible burst water hydrant but said the water provider is investigating further.

Southern Water has been contacted for more information.