Updated: York road still closed to traffic after burst water main caused flood

This was the scene in Walmgate this morning.

The York road flooded at the top end, close to the York Press office and Hotel Indigo.

One witness described it as “like a river”.

It appears to have been caused by a burst water main. There is a visible rupture in the road, and water was pouring through gaps in the pavement.

At its height the floodwater reached all the way down to Foss Bridge.

The water has now been turned off, and the damage is clear to see. The road is still closed to traffic but has now reopened to pedestrians.

Police and fire crews went to the incident. North Yorkshire Police said:

• Walmgate in York is currently closed to vehicles and pedestrians between Merchantgate and George Street due to flooding from a sinkhole.

  This was reported to police at 8.25am this morning.

  Repairs are likely to take some time so the public are advised to avoid the area.

  Yorkshire Water have staff at the scene. More details are available on their website and social media.
  

The York Press and Student Castle university accommodation were evacuated.

Several businesses have lost their water supply as Yorkshire Water works to fix the problem.

First York is diverting affected bus services along Piccadilly both ways.