A BURST water pipe has flooded parts of Newcastle city centre, causing disruption for motorists and a loss of pressure for households.

The incident was reported to police and Northumbrian Water at around 6.30am after water starting to flood Scotswood Road near to Newcastle College and the Redheugh Bridge.

At one point, the flood was reported to be 4ft deep in places and up to six major roads were closed to traffic, causing knock-on rush hour chaos across the city.

Northumbrian Water said it had experienced “very high call volumes” and apologised for any delay for customers contacting us.

The burst affected customers across swathes of the city including the NE1 NE2 NE6 NE10 and NE28 psotcoade areas.

A spokesman added within the last hour: “”Surface water now under control and repairs are ongoing”.

At 10.30am, Northumbria Police said “Many of the main roads in the area have reopened and traffic is starting to return to normal.

“Skinnerburn Road is still closed at this time and officers continue to help assist at the scene”.

Motorist Nick Collins tweeted: "#Newcastle #city centre is #blocked. Every #road into the town centre is #grid locked."

Another driver, Hannah Marriott, posted a picture of a flooded Scotswood Road, adding: "So this is why #Newcastle is in chaos."