Hundreds of homes were left without a water supply when a main ruptured.

The main in Forest Road, between Castleton Road and Ulverston Road, ruptured on Tuesday morning, causing travel chaos during rush hour.

Emergency repair work will continue until early next week, Thames Water has said.

A spokeswoman said: “Work to repair the water main, the road and pavement will begin in the next 24 hours and is likely to go on until Monday.

“Works will only take place during the daytime to avoid disturbing residents at night.

“We received approximately 500 calls from customers about the incident and were able to restore their water connections by reworking our pipe network in that area.

“Bottled water was sent to the local area for customers who were without mains water.”

Forest Road will remain shut to traffic in both directions between Castleton Road and Ulverston Road until December 2. 

The 123 bus is on diversion.

Thames Water says the cause of the problem is not yet known.