THOUSANDS of residents were left without water and a road has been severely damaged after a water main burst in Hampshire.

The B3354 in Fisher's Pond has been shut between Sandy Lane in Fair Oak and Portsmouth Road in Fisher's Pond after the incident, which happened earlier today.

The road has been closed between the Wyevale Garden Centre and the Queen's Head pub.

Souther Water said that 2,900 properties including colleges and schools were left without water after the main burst at about 6am today.

Within an hour and a half service was restored to 2,400 homes and the remaining 500 homes were reconnected shortly after 2pm.

A spokeswoman said: "The burst caused significant damage to the road which we are working to repair.

"However, it is likely to remain closed until 5pm tomorrow but diversions are in place.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."