HOMES have been evacuated following a water leak in Runcorn today, Sunday.

Emergency services were called to the scene following the water leak in the Holbeck Tower Lane area.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

PICTURED: Flooding in Runcorn

Other residents living in Runcorn may have been affected by a drop in water pressure but police say this is nothing to be concerned about.

A number of road closures were in place but these have now been lifted.

A spokesman for United Utilities confirmed at 4pm that the water supply had returned to all areas.

He said: "You may notice that your pressure is a little lower than normal, this is because we need to ensure that the water supply comes back gradually and not too quick as this can cause additional bursts and this would be the last thing that anybody would want.

"Our engineers are out monitoring the situation across the network and will remain in place until everything returns to normal.

"You may notice that as well as the pressure being a little lower than normal, your water may be discoloured.

"This is because we have been moving water around our network to get your supply restored and sometimes this can cause sediment to be moved in the pipes.

"Again, this will all settle down over the next couple of hours.

"We are really sorry for the inconvenience we have caused and our teams have been working as quickly as we can.

"Unfortunately the repair was delayed as there were two strategic petrochemical mains in the area and we had to ensure that it was safe for our teams to start work before we could begin.

"Once again, please accept our apologies for interrupting your Sunday."

Earlier today, a police spokesman said: "Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently knocking on all the doors affected by the water leak in Runcorn and advising them to turn their gas and electricity off as a precaution.

"If you are asked by them then please follow their advice.

"As part of the water leak in Runcorn a number of properties will be evacuated by the emergency services.

"Please do not evacuate from your property unless told to do so.

"We will continue to keep you updated with information as soon as we have it. Thank you for your patience."