Drinking water in flood-hit northern Brighton has been declared safe after fears it had been contaminated by dirty floodwater.

In a joint statement with Brighton and Hove Council and the Environment Agency, Southern Water said drain water was not a threat to the sewerage system.

Roads closed and drains overflowed last week when the river Wellesbourne was swelled by heavy rain.

Stuart Derwent, Southern Water's operations director, said: "At one point on Saturday we had to open a storm overflow at Black Rock to provide another escape route for the water.

"Conditions have now stabilised to the point that the tunnel is only three-quarters full and we are continuing to empty it by pumping the stormwater to the long sea outfall at Portobello."

He added: "There is absolutely no question of the town's sewerage being on the point of collapse.

"The flows from Patcham are now receding. We constantly monitor the quality of drinking water to ensure there is no risk to the public."

Council and Southern Water officers have been working around the clock to control the flooding.

Council chief executive Glynn Jones said: "Our combined efforts have avoided further substantial damage to property in the Patcham area.

"We are confident the measures will ensure there is no risk to drinking supplies. We will work to make sure early warning systems are in place."