WATER is erupting through a York city centre street and has flooded the road after a suspected burst to a main.

The water has caused the tarmac to buckle and break up on Walmgate, near The Press offices, and is flowing all the way down the road to Fossgate.

The road and pavements on Walmgate are now closed.

Water is said to have burst through the surface at around 8.15am.

First York has tweeted: "Due to a burst water main at Walmgate the following service are on diversion: 8, 10, 66 and 66a."

Police and the fire service are at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police said: "In addition to the road closure, please be aware that water supplies in the area may be affected."

A member of staff from Adam Bennett letting agency said: "I was a bit amazed.

"It looks like a bit of a river. The road looks like it has exploded."

Zoe Plummer, owner of The Press Kitchen, commented: "We won't be opening until Yorkshire Water comes out. We normally open at 9am.

"We haven't got any pedestrians so there's no customers. Yorkshire Water have said there's no risk of contamination but we will be suffering from low or no pressure.

"It is an inconvenience due to a loss of custom."

Paul Gamble, general manager at The Press Kitchen, added: "Obviously it's not great for business. But it's York and we are not unknown from flooding. Unfortunately it seems to be something we have to live with."

North Yorkshire Police is urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.