A raw sewage leak in Cockermouth was caused by a build up of fat.

Sewage flooded onto Gote Bridge from the main sewer yesterday.

The problem was reported in the afternoon.

United Utilities engineers arrived at 6pm.

High pressure water jets and suction pumps were used to clear the blockage and get the sewer partially flowing again.

A tiny CCTV camera inserted into the pipe then revealed a massive fat blockage.

It was so severe a second, larger jetting vehicle had to be brought in to clear the pipe.

United Utilities then cleaned the road.

The firm said the problem did not affect drinking water quality.

A spokesman said: "This is a classic example of the problems caused when people flush or pour away the wrong things into the drains.

"Fatty food waste should always be cooled and scraped into the bin, not poured down the sink. It might wash away with hot water and washing up liquid but as soon as it gets into the sewers it cools down and clogs up the pipes, just like clogged arteries.

"In this case it caused sewage to flood onto the road. More commonly the sewage backs up into people’s homes and floods inside, which is a nightmare for the resident and can involve a costly visit from the plumber or a drainage contractor.

"It costs United Utilities around £10 million a year to deal with blockages in sewers."

She added that wet wipes were another problem for the firm and that even those marked as flushable could cause problems in the pipes.

United Utilities plans to deliver leaflets in the Gote Bridge area to make residents aware of the problems.

To find out more about the problem visit  www.unitedutilities.com/thinkbeforeyouflush