Tower block flood forces residents to leave

The power has been shut off at Brisbane House, a 15-storey tower block, due to a burst pipe

Residents of a tower block have had to leave temporarily after a flood affected the building's electricity supply.

Fire crews were called to Brisbane House in Leicester Road in Tilbury, Essex, at 18:26 GMT on Wednesday after a burst pipe caused the flooding.

Thurrock Council is responsible for the tower and said it had shut off power to the building following advice from the utility company.

It was providing emergency accommodation and said the water supply to the neighbouring blocks could be affected.

The water pumps for those blocks, Freemantle House and Tasmania House, are located in Brisbane House.

"Because the power has been shut off in that block, the water in those blocks is likely to run out overnight, although their electricity is unaffected," the council explained in a statement.

Its officers will supply bottled water to people in the neighbouring towers and residents were asked to limit their water use.

The water supply at the neighbouring blocks of flats was also affected

Emergency repairs will be carried out at Brisbane House on Thursday morning, after firefighters isolated the water supply.

The council said it had set up a rest centre for anyone unable to stay with family and friends, and that vulnerable residents were being supported.

"We are hugely grateful to residents for their patience and cooperation, and to our colleagues in the emergency services, and the British Red Cross, for supporting local residents through this incident," the council added.

Brisbane House is made up of 15 floors, containing 64 flats.