Residents of four blocks of flats in Barking found themselves without water for more than 24 hours during hot temperatures after a leak.

One resident, Runa Begum, said those living in the buildings in Abbey Road were forced to use a singular communal tap that had been temporarily connected to the shared communal stop tap on the pavement.

The blocks were reportedly left without supply from Friday September 15 until the evening of September 16.

People young and old were left queuing for water, Runa said, in temperatures as hot as 24C throughout Saturday before their water was restored.

She was particularly distressed by the events and claimed there was "a lack of consideration".

"We have vulnerable people, children, and those with communication barriers.

"How would those in a wheelchair even reach over the barriers (to use the tap)?”

Barking and Dagenham Post: Runa showing how residents had to fill bottles from the communal external tap.Runa showing how residents had to fill bottles from the communal external tap. (Image: Runa Begum)

Runa claims not everyone in her building was made aware of the issues, and so she took it upon herself to stay behind and make sure everyone was updated.

A Barking and Dagenham Council spokesperson said the issues encountered by the four buildings were the result of a leak.

They said: “To minimise disruption to residents, we delivered water to all properties and a standpipe was installed, so that residents could refill water.

"We also opened the Barking Learning Centre as community assistance centre for refreshments and for residents to be able to use the toilet facilities. Council staff were across the blocks to keep residents updated on the situation.

"The water was restored by Saturday evening, and we’d like to thank them for their cooperation and understanding especially on what was a very hot day."