Emergency services were called to the scene in the northern borough of Islington shortly after 7am today, with ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters on Hornsey Road. Charlie, a business owner in Islington told Sky News: “We stood by the door trying to push the water out as much as we could. We just didn’t realize how serious it was until we noticed it was like a never ending battle and the water kept flooding the shop. “We are trapped here while the fire department helped our colleagues and escorted them to safety. “Everything was floating in the shop, I don’t even want to look inside.” Image: Firefighters had to transport local residents along Hornsey Road He added: “The whole store needs refurbishment. We’re going to need new flooring, all the fridges, I couldn’t believe it, were half full of water – everything needed replacing.” Craig, who lives in Islington, said: “My alarm went off at 9am and I got my toes out of bed and they were wet. “It was frantic – I was running around trying to save everything in the house, documents, passports, smashing everything on the bed. “When I opened the door it came in like a tsunami. It came up to my knees. I went into panic mode.” A Thames Water spokesman apologized to customers experiencing lower pressure than normal or no water at all this morning. “Our engineers were quickly on the scene and stopped the flow of water, which is now draining,” the company said. “We are doing everything we can to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and are proactively contacting everyone in the affected area who has pre-registered with us as having special requirements, such as medical water dependency, so that we can ensure they we provide the help and support they need.” Residents were told to move to a higher level Station Commander Matt Brown, who was at the scene, said: “Flood water is affecting Hornsey Road, Tollington Road and a leisure centre. “There are a number of road closures while crews work to make the scene safe. People are being asked to avoid the area. “Firefighters are using flood barriers to divert the water. “If you are affected by flood waters, if possible (and without putting yourself in danger) move to a higher level.” Chris Dodsworth, a civil servant who lives in the area, described the situation as “quite stressful” and said the water level appeared to be rising. Image: The scene outside the Tollington Arms He said: “I woke up at around 7.30am and realized I could hear the sound of running water outside which was obviously strange, especially given the weather recently. “My first thought was that it had rained during the night, but then obviously I looked out the window and just saw that the whole road and the connecting roads were completely submerged. “It’s so strange to be around so much water (especially in this dry season) … what a day of contrast.”
