Almost 50 Whitstable homes were left without water after a pipe burst and cut off their supply this morning.

Technicians from South East Water worked to fix a four-inch diameter water main that burst at 6am in Highgate Road.

The incident follows a leak in the same road which left 22 homes with no water or low pressure last month.

South East Water distribution manager Tony Hillocks said: “It was complex repair because when our teams dug down onto the damaged pipe they found it had a 2.5-metre split along it.

"Despite that our crew worked extremely hard to fix the pipe and it was put back into full service at 2pm.

“While the repair was underway, the team also fitted a new valve which will limit the impact on the local community if the pipe were to burst again.

“I would like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while this repair took place and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Shortly after the burst happened bottled water was made available for local residents to use.

Customers are urged to alert South East Water to any problems by calling 0333 000 3330 or tweeting @sewateruk.