More than 2,000 homes had their water supplies cut off after two pipe bursts on Hoo.

Southern Water had 40 calls in the space of two hours on Monday from householders concerned after their taps ran dry.

The firm sent a team to assess the situation and estimate repairs to fix the mains leaks affecting residents in Cliffe Woods and Higham.

Engineers said the works should be completed this afternoon allowing supplies to be restored.

A spokesman for Southern Water, said: "We are dealing with two burst water mains which have temporarily disrupted supplies to about 2,000 customers in the Cliff Woods and Higham areas of Kent.

"One is a six inch main in Chattenden which has resulted in six properties experiencing low water pressure.

"Contractors are currently repairing this main and full supplies are expected to be restored shortly.

A 10 inch water main has also burst in Town Road, in Cliffe Woods, which has affected supplies to properties during the morning.

"Southern Water is currently working to rezone water supplies around the burst and supplies should be restored within the hour.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to thank residents for their patience while our teams work as quickly as possible to restore full supplies."

Vulnerable customers and those with medical conditions who require water can contact Southern Water’s Customer Service Centre on 0845 078 0845 for assistance.

• Were your water supplies affected? Call the Medway newsdesk on 01634 227847 or email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk