Engineers are to make emergency repairs to plug a major leak which threatens water supplies to the Isle of Sheppey.

Water from a burst main supplying the Island can be seen gushing into the Swale from beneath the Kingsferry Bridge.

A photograph of it was posted on Twitter by “Noel” who wrote: “Noticed a large water leak under Kingsferry Bridge Sheppey side. Is this the main to the Island?”

The alert immediately created fears the Island could be cut off again.

In January last year 10,000 homes and businesses were without water for 25 days when a main burst alongside the A249 at Bobbing.

A spokesman for Southern Water said: “We are aware of a leak on one of the two pipes which supply the Island.

"This is a complex repair in a sensitive location. We have been working hard with our contractors and Network Rail to ensure this work is carried out as quickly and safely as possible with minimum impact to our customers.”

Repair work is due to start tomorrow night, and is expected to be completed by Friday.

During the repairs the Kingsferry Bridge will have its water cut but alternatives supplies will be provided.

The spokesman added: “We would like to thank the public for their understanding.”

Last year Southern Water was left with a £640,000 repair bill to renew the water supply.

During the emergency lorries ferried water onto Sheppey.

Another smaller leak alongside the A249 was spotted in September.

A Southern Water spokesman at the time said: “We now have three water mains under the A249 which means customers’ supply is always backed-up and will keep flowing even in the event of a large burst.”