A busy town centre road was closed early today after a burst mains threatened to send water streaming into council offices.

Fire officials said part of Grove Road in Eastbourne was on the verge of collapse as water gushed from a nearby mains at 2am.

Sandbags were used by firefighters to stem the flow, while water bosses shut down the supply to protect buildings being deluged.

Eastbourne Borough Council's offices were deemed most at risk but fire crews managed to contain the flow.

A small amount of water did flow into the basement next-door which is used as a car park.

A borough council spokesman said: "There was some water in the basement but not enough to cause any real concern."

Also deemed a minor threat was Grove Road police station, although fire crews managed to keep the Victorian building water-free.