About 20 householders woke up on Easter Sunday with two feet of water in their homes after a burst water pipe.

Residents in Scory Close in Bewbush, Crawley are today clearing up after “torrents” of water flowed down the street on Dave Taylor, 47, was woken up by his neighbour as the flood waters rose.

He said: “I was woken up by my neighbour ringing the bell and banging on the door.

“There was about 12 to 18 inches of water in the house.

“It was like a torrent of water rushing down the street.

“One of our neighbours heard a bang at about 6.30pm as the PVC pipe went.”

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were first on the scene.

Mr Taylor said Southern Water, who own the pipe, turned up about three hours after the incident to assess the damage.

But he was told the council could not help until Tuesday.

Stephanie Somerville, 54, was holidaying in Hayling Island when her neighbour rang to tell her of the flood. She was able to get back to her property by 11am.

She said: “Our neighbours were cat sitting for us. The cat was stranded on the sofa surrounded by water.”

Mrs Somerville said the Red Cross had been round to check on her and her husband's welfare.

She added: “They were very good.”

A Southern Water spokesman said: "Southern Water is doing all it can to help customers affected by a major burst water main in Bewbush, Crawley.

"The pipe burst on the roundabout at the junction with Horsham Road and Breezhurst Drive at about 7.30am yesterday morning.

"Regrettably, a significant amount of water escaped from the pipe and has caused some flooding to homes and gardens in the area.

"Water supply to properties was rerouted, so no homes were without tap water.

“The area has been cleaned up and the road reopened. The burst main has also been repaired. Our customer services staff will remain in contact with those affected to offer any help they may need.

"We apologise to all those affected."

Metro buses were also affected by the burst water main, with the Route 10 diverting via Horsham Road and Sullivan Drive.

Henry Smith, MP for Crawley, said “serious questions will need to be answered” about the flooding.