A major Stevenage dual carriageway was shut for 12 hours overnight after a mains water pipe burst, creating a sheet of ice across the road.

Police were called to Gunnels Wood Road shortly after 5.30pm yesterday after a driver called 999 after spinning out of control on the ice.

Officers shut the road southbound from Martins Way to Clovelly Way while Veolia Water were called to repair the pipe and Herts Highways to grit the road. The northbound lane was shut around an hour later.

Both lanes remained closed until between 6am and 6.30am. Gritters continued to salt the road from 7pm to 7am this morning.

Veolia Water said no homes were affected by the rupture which was repaired by 11pm. A clip was placed on the pipe which meant supply did not need to be shut off the company said. A spokesman apologised for the inconvenience to drivers.