THIRTY-SEVEN properties were yesterday left without water in North Oxford because of a burst water pipe.

The 3in pipe broke beneath Borrowmead Road in Northway, yesterday morning.

Residents said that the leak smelt like sewage, but Thames Water said it was clean.

Nick Fell, a consultant to the Northway Residents’ Association said: “It just started this morning, it was absolutely pouring out of the gutter, flooding down the road and it absolutely stank.”

Thames Water spokesman Natalie Slater said: “Our engineers had to turn off the water supply to 37 properties while we investigated the extent of the damage so we’re sorry for the disruption this caused.”

The pipe was repaired and water restored by 4.15pm.