Schools in Edgware and Mill Hill have been forced to close after their water supply was turned off.

A water main burst on the A41 at 10.40pm last night but despite working through the night, Affinity Sutton contractors have been unable to fix it.

Mill Hill County High School, in Worcester Crescent, and Copthall Secondary School, in Page Street, are both closed for the day as a result.

Primary schools in the area, including St Paul’s School, St Vincent’s School, Dollis Valley Infant School and Courtland JMI School, have also had to shut.

Anthony David, headteacher of St Paul’s School, said: “Sadly, the school has closed for today. This is for health and safety reasons.

“Naturally we are doing all we can to open the schools again as soon as possible and keep parents informed.”

Schools  should reopen tomorrow morning.