Brighton school and homes flood with water from burst mains

Homes and a school close to the burst water main were flooded with water

A school in Brighton was forced to close for the day after water from a burst main flooded its grounds.

Longhill High School in Rottingdean said it contacted families as soon as it was clear the situation was unsafe.

Homes were flooded and residents left without water after the burst on Ovingdean Road. The road surface was also severely buckled.

Southern Water said it was carrying out urgent repairs and has apologised for the inconvenience.

"We're doing all we can to fix things as quickly and safely as possible but properties in the affected postcode area may be experiencing pressure issues with their water supply," it added.

Part of Ovingdean Road was badly damaged

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service sent two fire engines to Ovingdean Road just before 05:00 BST after receiving reports of a burst main.

It said a number of properties, including the school, had been affected.

Just after midday, it said crews had left the scene after pumping water out of the area.

The school said it took the decision to close "at the earliest opportunity"

In a statement, Longhill High School thanked the community for its "understanding and support this morning with regards to the emergency situation".

However, some parents have complained about the school's communication.

One said: "It would have been good to send out an email and tweet that the school is closed today."

While another said his children "only found out at the bus stop".

Southern Water said it was carrying out urgent repairs

Head teacher Kate Williams responded: "Texts & emails went out to all parents as soon as it became evident that the school was unsafe and we had to close.

"I know that the emergency situation (Falmer Rd mains water pipe bursting) will have caused disruption for you, I apologise. Safety had to be our priority."

The school said it planned to reopen on Tuesday.