Residents are expected to be without their water until this late afternoon.

Essex & Suffolk Water engineers are currently on site at Audley Way, Basildon, to investigate a burst on a main pipe.

This happened the second time following another burst pipe four days ago in a simialr area last Friday.

An Essex & Suffolk Water spokesman said: "Engineers have been dealing with a water main burst this morning on Audley Way, Basildon. This follows on from a previous burst last week in a similar area, investigation continues as to the cause of the bursts.

"Customers in the immediate area are expected to be without their water supplies until late this afternoon and have had a letter to keep them informed. Essex & Suffolk Water would like to apologise for the disruption caused and to reassure customers we are working to repair the burst.

"A standpipe has been set up on The Gore at the junction with Blake Avenue for drinking water supplies."