A BURST water main “erupted" today causing chaos in Kidlington.

Neighbours in Bicester Road said it looked like a volcano had gone off under the street.

They reported the leak three days ago and blamed Thames Water for not acting sooner.

Thames Water apologised for the inconvenience but said it had not acted because it was not deemed a priority.

The pipe burst before Thames Valley Police closed Bicester Road in both directions at about 12.40pm.

One lane was then reopened by 3pm but Thames Water officials are still at the scene.

Natalie Leigh, 40, of Bramley Close, said: “It erupted and water was gushing out everywhere.

“We cannot get into our road and it is getting bigger and bigger.

“It looks like the road has a volcano underneath it. The Tarmac is rising and the road is lifting out of the water.”

Thames Water switched the supply off at about 2.20pm, at which point water was four or five feet from homes, Mrs Leigh said.

She added: “It was very scary. We did not know when it was going to stop.”

Jason Woodburn, 41, of Bramley Close, said: “The road has cracked up, right across the road. Water was gushing out everywhere.

“We are all concerned about our homes. It was starting to rise over the kerb.

“An hour later and it would have been into our homes.

“But the main concern is that we reported it three days ago and there was no action.”

John Trafford, 47, of Bramley Close, said: “Both lanes of the road started lifting up. Water was just gushing out.

“I was concerned about water entering our homes, but my main concern was the road collapsing.”

Thames Water spokesman Becky Johnson said: "We are really sorry for the inconvenience caused by this leak.

“Repair work is under way and we will fully repair damage to the road. We have maintained supply for customers in the area.

“A leak had been reported here three days ago, however as it was a small trickle and was not causing any damage we had to prioritise repairs on larger water mains in the area. This is usual practice.”

She said the six-inch water main near Bramley Close had burst at 12.30pm.

She was not able to say when work would be complete because the damage was still being assessed.

Officers informed bus companies, which rerouted their journeys.