Clean up operation continues in Islington

A clean up operation is ongoing in parts of north London which were flooded yesterday

A burst water main caused waves of water to career down Caledonian Road in Islington with many businesses bearing the brunt

Parmjeit Chopra has run a shop there for eight years and told us there's a chance his business may not be able to re-open

"We're worried, we are very worried."

"I don't have money to get more stock and start trading cause I can't trade without stock and the stock is all damaged, even the equipment is damaged, so how am I going to start trading if it's going to take three to four weeks to repair everything?"

"We can't leave the store, cause if we leave the store there will be more flooding cause the waterflow was very fast so we had to protect it. We were standing here for hours and hours."

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended flooding yesterday afternoon with inflatable boats used to rescue 50 people and three dogs. A further 50 people evacuated their properties. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries.

Two of the Brigade’s specialist Fire and Rescue Units attended the scene, which are equipped with inflatable boats, pumping equipment and flood kits. Firefighters also used flood barriers and sandbags to divert flood water away from homes.

Thames Water confirmed that the flooding was caused by a burst pipe, and their teams are working to stop the flow of water.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: “My heart goes out to the residents, businesses, and organisations that have been impacted by this afternoon’s flooding on Caledonian Road.

“We’re working with the emergency services to support those that are affected, and to ensure that those that have had to evacuate can return home as quickly as possible.

“Local people simply shouldn’t have to face this level of disruption – we’re doing all we can to resolve this, but we’re calling on Thames Water to manage the situation, and help get our residents and businesses back into their properties as quickly as possible.”

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.