Dramatic pictures show the moment a burst water pipe which sent water flying meters into the air.

The pipe on Coleridge Gardens in the Parkside area of Darlington burst shortly before 1pm.

Pictures show a jet of water rising from the ground, almost as high as neighbouring houses.

Residents were left without water after engineers rushed to the scene and shut off the supply.

The Northern Echo: The high pressure of the water sent it flying into the air.The high pressure of the water sent it flying into the air. (Image: PAUL EVANS)

It was restored again shortly before 3pm.

A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: “We were first made aware of a burst water pipe near Coleridge Gardens, in the Parkside area of Darlington around 1.30pm this afternoon.”

“We attended immediately and switched off the supply while repairs were carried out. Our team moved around the network and any customers in the local area affected had their water supply restored within 2 hours.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused to customers while we worked as quickly as possible to carry out the repair.  Everything was fixed and back to normal by 3pm”.

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Some locals saw the funny side of the leakage, with one posting on Facebook: “New waterpark - just what we need in this heat”.

Others joked it could be used as a free car wash with one adding: “Drove around it to get home, car’s spotless.”

Darlington Council has been contacted for comment.