FIREFIGHTERS struggled for nearly two hours to prevent several houses from flooding after a water main burst yesterday.

Five appliances from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Brigade pumped water from streets on the Burnside estate in Houghton-le-Spring as fast as it escaped from the mains.

Divisional officer Garry Wilson said thousands of litres of water escaped when a 24in main was cut by gas contractors working in Blind Lane, at about 2.30pm.

He said the water poured into the estate and threatened several houses with flooding, reaching a depth of about 3ft in places. Police closed off a number of roads leading to the area.

Mr Wilson said: "We were pumping it out as fast as it was flowing in. It was touch and go at one stage.

"Once Northumbrian Water shut off the supply we were able to bring the levels down."

A Northumbrian Water spokesman said the cut had affected at least 100 households, but supplies were restored within hours by re-routing water.

The spokesman said: "Some customers may find their water discoloured. This is harmless sediment.

"Our advice is for people to run their water and to check it is clear before using it to wash their clothes.

"Some customers may still experience water pressure problems."