Around 60 homes in Kidlington are without water or suffering low water pressure this morning after burst mains pipe.

Engineers from Thames Water are working to repair the fault at the junction of Lock Crescent and Stratfield Road.

The icy weather is believed to be responsible for the burst mains pipe.

A spokesman said: “A four inch water main on Lock Crescent at the junction of Stratfield Road burst earlier this morning.

“Our engineers were on site immediately to shut off the main and are currently undertaking emergency repair works.

“Approximately 60 properties in the OX5 postcode area may experience loss of supply and reduced pressures whilst the repair is being made.

“We would like to assure customers that we are working as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.”

Thames Water is currently receiving more than 200 reports of burst water mains every day across London and Thames Valley region, which includes Oxfordshire.

The spokesman added: “The coldest winter in 12 years has led to a significant increase in bursts and leaks on our water mains. We are currently receiving over 200 reports of burst mains a day.

“Our engineers are working around-the-clock to carry out emergency repairs as quickly as possible, and we have doubled the number of engineers dealing with bursts.

“It is essential we prioritise repairs in order of severity to help prevent flooding to homes and businesses, and roads that could freeze over.

“The freezing temperature - which has cooled the water in our reservoirs — means when water below four degrees Celsius enters our mains, any hairline cracks or structural weaknesses on our pipes are at risk of breaking.

• To contact Thames Water or to report problems call 0800 714614.