A water firm has issued an update after a burst main forced a number of schools in south Essex to close.

Earlier today, at least two schools in south Essex were temporarily closed due to a burst water main disrupting their water supply.

Shoebury High School, situated on Caulfield Road, and Richmond Avenue Primary School, located on Richmond Avenue, were both impacted by the loss of water.

Shoebury High School had students return at 11am, once water supply had been restored.

Essex and Suffolk Water has since issued an update on the burst water main in Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay.

They have reported that water supplies have been restored and repairs are now underway.

A spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: “Earlier this morning we were made aware of a burst on a water main on Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay.

“Our teams attended at around 5am, and have since been working on a repair. They are also working hard to clear the road of surface water and debris. Thankfully, no properties have been impacted by flooding.

“Initially some water supplies were impacted, but all have now been restored. A road closure has been put in place to ensure repairs can be carried out safely.

“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience and would like to thank residents for their patience.”