WATER bosses say a loss of water in Great Sankey this morning was the work of vandals.

Around 5,000 homes were without water for around an hour from 4am. According to United Utilities, vandals attacked pipes in Cromwell Avenue causing the problems. Water was restored to most homes within an hour. A spokesman from United Utilities said: "Late last night (April 22) vandals damaged a valve which controls water pressure in the Cromwell Avenue area.

"This grossly irresponsible act caused a surge in water pressure, resulting in bursts on two water mains - one on Hood Lane, and the other on Twenty Acre Road.

"Around 5,000 customers were affected by loss of water supply.

"Our engineers responded quickly to repair both bursts, and supply was restored to customers within an hour. The damaged valve has also been repaired.

"We have since received a handful of calls from customers reporting damage to their properties' internal pipework - possibly caused by the increase in water pressure.

"We have advised them to contact their household insurers in the first instance, while we investigate this matter further.

"We'd like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience they experienced.

"This was a senseless act of vandalism, and one we are taking very seriously. We will, of course, be liaising with the police to try to find the culprits."