Firefighters were called to reports of ‘helicopter’ noises in a loft at sheltered accommodation last night.
Worried residents were keen to identify the cause and called firefighters to Griffin Court, the Warren, Ashtead, at 9.30pm.
It is emerged that the noise was probably due to a water hammer - a pressure surge that spreads though pipes when a valve closes suddenly at the end of the system.
A firefighter said: "I think one woman in particular was concerned because she had been involved in fires before.
"The resident compared it to the sound of a helicopter.
"The noise sounded like an engine in the loft space. It was making a hell of a racket."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here