Dozens of people have been evacuated from their homes after a water main burst, causing severe flooding in north London.

The water was at a depth of two metres in the basements of properties on Charlton Place in Angel, Islington, and about 100 people were evacuated, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Pictures posted on social media show water gushing through the streets and up through the road.

Police are using The Steam Passage tavern as a refuge for residents, while Upper Street is closed with motorists advised to avoid the area.

LFB, who said they were called just after 5am, have a range of equipment which can be used to help rescue people trapped by flood water, to pump water away and to protect properties.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to Upper Street at the junction with Camden Passage to reports of a burst water main at around 4am.

Thames Water said: “We're really sorry to everyone affected by our burst pipe. We've stopped the flow of water and are now planning how best to repair it with as little disruption as possible. We don't except water supplies to be affected by this work.

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“Our loss adjusters are on their way to the area to support those affected by the flooding with insurance claims and making arrangements for alternative accommodation. We'll do all we can to get the area back to normal as soon as possible.”

Rosie Cutler, 28, a freelance radio producer who lives in Dalston, was on her way to work when she encountered the flooding, and said: “London never really gets flooded so it was quite shocking to see.”