Astonishing CCTV shows the moment that family had to run for cover after manhole explosion

The astonishing moment that a woman and her two children had to run for cover after a manhole exploded behind them in Northampton has been caught on CCTV.

The footage shows how the trio sprinted for safety as the manhole cover shattered and great chunks of pavement were thrown into the air.

Click below to watch the footage

The family were using a cash machine outside the Abington Supermarket on Wellingborough Road at the time of the incident.

The force of the blast was so strong that it ripped part of the shop's sign down.

An electrical fault is thought to have caused the explosion.

All three members of the family were treated for minor injuries.

Click below to watch a report from ITV News Anglia's Elodie Harper