Thousands of homes were left without water after a burst pipe.

Householders in Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks and Burgess Hill all reported problems with their connection after the incident this morning.

According to South East Water, there was a burst near Burgess Hill Rugby Club in Poveys Close, at about 10am.

Water was restored to homes by 11.30am.

One local described it as the "Burgess Hill drought".

A spokeswoman for South East Water said: “Our technicians stopped the burst and rerouted the water supply.

“All affected properties in the area, had their water supplies back on by 11.30am.

“There may still be some customers experiencing low water pressure.

“We are now working to repair the pipe itself and clear up after the burst.

“Investigations will be underway soon to try and determine the cause of this burst main.

“We would like to apologise to the local community for the inconvenience this burst has caused and thank them for their patience.”

According to West Sussex County Council, three schools - Southway Junior in Southway; Gattons Infant School in Royal George Road; St Wilfrid’s Primary in School Lane - have been closed.

Have you been affected? Do you have pictures of the incident? Email tim.ridgway@theargus.co.uk or add comments below.