CHILDREN are stuck in school after a water pipe burst in Horwich.

Pupils at Horwich Parish primary school are being looked after by staff while their parents make their way to the school in Church Street.

The pipe burst at about noon today after a private contractor working for Bolton Council ruptured it during construction work, and water is still pouring down the road.

A member of staff at the school said parents have been texted and advised to come to school on foot because of the amount of traffic on the roads, and that pupils will be safely looked after until they arrive.

Tiffany White, who lives nearby, said: “It’s been going on for hours and it’s affecting traffic to the school.

"The water is flooding down the road. They’ve tried to stop it using a digger but it’s not working.”

United Utilities said the damage is thought to have been caused by a third party.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “A private contractor working for the council is doing some resurfacing work on Church Street.

"At approximately noon today, while they were resurfacing the road, a water main burst.

"United Utilities were contacted immediately and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to motorists and residents.”