THOUSANDS of Anglian Water customers have been told to boil their drinking water today after a contamination scare thought to affect 108,000 properties and 250,000 people.

THOUSANDS of Anglian Water customers have been told to boil their drinking water today after a contamination scare thought to affect 108,000 properties and 250,000 people.

The company warned customers after cryptosporidium was found in samples in Northamptonshire.

It can cause severe stomach upsets, especially in young or elderly people.

A spokesman for Anglian Water said all water should be boiled, including for use when brushing teeth and giving to pets.

He added that the problem may continue for weeks.