THE clean up operation has started after 10 homes were flooded with up to three feet of water this morning.

Residents in South Hinksey, Oxford, were helped to safety and others reported being trapped in their homes after a 24 inch water main burst just before 7am today.

Those affected are now seeking alternative accommodation for the night and speaking to insurers.

A loss adjustor from Thames Water is also at the scene.

Thames Water is still investigating what caused the main to rupture but it is believed to be linked to the age of the pipe.

Half a square mile was affected by the water and the village was sealed off for a short while this morning.

Two thousand sand bags were sent to the scene but most were not used.