More than 600 homes in a Surrey village have been told not to drink their tap water after tests indicated “a possible deterioration in quality” linked to a historical fuel leak.

Thames Water issued a total of 616 houses in Bramley a “precautionary” instruction not to use their supply for drinking, cooking or brushing their teeth – though they can continue to shower and wash hands.

The company said that “concerning results” had been identified in three areas on Thursday, revealing “elevated” levels of hydrocarbons, which are found in fuel.