CRISIS-HIT Thames Water apologised today after about 30 people were forced to evacuate from their homes in north London when a burst main left some areas under more than 40cm of water.

Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters attended the scene in Islington after emergency services received more than 23 calls about the incident shortly after 10pm on Sunday night, London Fire Brigade said.

The public were urged to avoid the area and driving through water as firefighters used flood barriers and sandbags, warning disruption was likely to continue until yesterday afternoon.

Thames Water apologised to “those who have been impacted by a burst water main” and the resulting traffic disruption.

The heavily indebted utility firm added that a specialist team was on site supporting those who have been affected and that parked cars, over another critical water main, had been moved.