HUNDREDS of people living in Southampton’s most prestigious flats have been evacuated after being left with no water or electricity.

Residents at the 26-storey Moresby Tower and two other apartment blocks overlooking Ocean Village were told to leave their luxury homes following a flood caused by a burst water main.

They spent yesterday trying to find emergency hotel accommodation or arranging to stay with friends and relatives.

Some of the people living at Moresby Tower – Southampton’s tallest residential complex – claimed it could be several days before they were allowed back to their homes.

One man, who lives on the 22nd floor and pays £2,500 a month rent, said: “I’m very upset with the management company.

“This is supposed to be the most prestigious apartment block in Southampton and when something like this happens it leaves you feeling very disappointed.

“There’s just been a big increase in the service charge, which makes it even more disappointing.

“Things can go wrong in any building but what’s annoying is the lack of information and the apparent lack of decision-making.”

The drama began at 9pm on Saturday when one of the seals on a water main broke, causing a massive leak that flooded the basement and knocked out the electricity supply.

Lifts and water pumps stopped working and communal areas including the stairs were plunged into darkness.

Residents were evacuated after the incident triggered the fire alarm and say they were not allowed back for three hours.

A total of 300 flats in a group of waterfront apartment blocks built three years ago were affected.

Letters distributed to residents by the management company, Eastleigh-based SDL Bigwood, said: “Due to a burst water main affecting the water supply to apartments and electricity to communal areas, Hawkins Tower, Blake Building and Moresby Tower cannot be occupied until further notice.

“The safety of all residents is a priority and therefore alternative accommodation must be sought by all residents.”

The letters advised owner-occupiers to contact Deacon Insurance to discuss reimbursement. People renting flats were told to approach their landlord or lettings agent to arrange alternative accommodation.

They added: “We are treating this matter extremely seriously and engaging with contractors to make sure the water and electricity is restored urgently.”

The Maritimo Lounge cafe and bar, which occupies part of the ground floor of Moresby Tower, was unaffected and opened as usual yesterday.

Last night a representative from SDL Bigwood said he hoped residents would be allowed to return home “very shortly” – possibly as early as today.

He added: “With any building there will always be faults, whether it’s old or new.”

Moresby Tower is part of the Admirals Quay complex that was completed in 2014 and provides residents with stunning views of Ocean Village and Southampton Water.

A two-bedroom apartment can cost at least £325,000, plus a yearly service charge of £1,850 and ground rent of £150 per annum.