A family's flat was flooded when their upstairs neighbours left the bath running so their pet terrapins could have a swim (Oct 3).

Dennis and Marie Sims, of Lance Way, High Wycombe, who have children aged two and four, are homeless after the incident on Sunday.

Housewife Marie, 25, said: "We had to turn the electrics off and the whole floor is flooded. The ceiling is also on its way out. It is a really nasty surprise. I feel really cheesed off."

Marie heard a dripping sound when she arrived home at around 3pm on Sunday. As she switched the television on she heard a loud sound of water gushing into the flat.

She said: "It was like the sound you hear when you flush the toilet. The water was just pouring through the ceiling. I phoned the fire brigade so they could break into the upstairs flat.

"When they broke in they found two terrapins in the bathroom swimming about."

The couple, who are currently staying with their cousin, Mark Munday, are going to take the matter up with Warden Housing Association, which owns the flats.

A Warden Housing spokesman said the situation was being investigated and Mr and Mrs Sims would be offered emergency accommodation.

The spokesman added: "We will continue to do everything we can to minimise the inconvenience to the family and ensure that their needs are met."