A BURST water main “erupted” yesterday with the pressure tearing up the asphalt and threatening homes, residents claimed.

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

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

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

Police closed the road at about 12.40pm after the burst happened. One lane was reopened by 3pm but last night Thames Water officials were still at the scene.

Natalie Leigh, 40, of Bramley Close, said: “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 all the way across. Water was gushing out everywhere.

“We are all concerned about our homes. But the main concern is that we reported it three days ago and there was no action.”

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, 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 but could not say when work would end because the damage was still being assessed.

Bus companies were informed and re-routed their journeys.