RUMOURS of looting empty homes in flooded parts of Buckskin are not true, the police have said.

Hampshire Constabulary released a statement responding to rumours circulating on Facebook.

A total of 53 homes have been evacuated after groundwater, contaminated with sewage, rose to flood areas including Antrim Close, Bodmin Close, Exmoor Close, Prescelly Close and Quantock Close.

As reported in The Gazette, tankers supplied by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council have been attempting to reduce the groundwater levels since Monday, February 10.

The statement read: “Rumours are rumbling around on social media that properties in the Buckskin area of Basingstoke currently evacuated because of ongoing flooding have been subject to looting over the last couple of days. We can reassure all residents this is categorically untrue.

“There have been no incidents of theft, looting nor any burglary offences. There has been one reported incident of anti-social behaviour caused by youngsters running through water, but no other reported incidents at this time.”

Extra patrols have been put on in the area and security staff are on site at all times to protect homes, police added.