A sewage leak in Haydon Wick is causing mayhem as more than 20 tanker trucks set to emergency repairs.

Thames Water has warned that pets should be kept on leashes around the River Ray to minimise the risk of them coming into contact with contaminated water.

A break in the foul water sewer was first detected yesterday near the junction with Thamesdown Drive and Queen Elizabeth Drive.

Pictures circulating on social media appear to show sewage flowing into the River Ray and Haydon Brook.

Swindon Advertiser:

Thames Water has reassured households that drinking water and wastewater services will not be affected by the sewer break.

It is expected that the repairs to the specialised and pressurised foul water sewer will take a week because of its size and location.

Three tankers were parked in The Tawny Owl pub car park at around noon today.

And around 18 were stationed in a row along Thamesdown Drive. The left lane was coned off to other motorists because of the huge vehicles.

The sewer starts at the Haydon End Sewage Pumping Station on Queen Elizabeth Drive.

A Thames Water spokesman explained: "These vehicles will need to be operating in the area 24 hours a day to manage the flows and prevent any flooding to our customers, pollution to the environment, or restricted toilet use so you may notice us close to you."

A foul sewer carries used wastewater to a plant for treatment.

The water company has also warned that households may notice noise and movement.

Swindon Advertiser:

A Thames Water spokesman added: "We will try to keep any disruption to a minimum and thank you for your patience at this time.

"Due to the size and location of the sewer we are expecting this to take a week to repair.

"We'll work hard to complete this sooner if possible. If for any reason we believe it will take longer, we'll be sure to let you know.

"You may see a number of tankers in the local area. They will be connecting to our sewer network and removing waste water, this allows us to repair the pipe safely and protects local homes from flooding."

It comes after South Marston Parish Council warned locals to stay away from Quarry Brook because it was accidentally polluted by a sewage leak.

Thames Water and the Environment Agency were called to investigate after fish started dying. 

The Environment Agency has been informed about this latest incident.