Peter explaining to a firefighter that he can’t miss his lessons

A PRIMARY school pupil was hailed as a hero after he was seen battling upstream to get to class after a “very large” water main burst, sending water exploding through a pavement.

Eyewitnesses described seeing Finsbury Park streets turned into fast-flowing rivers on Tuesday morning, but this did not deter Peter Hooke, 9, from making his journey to Ambler Primary School.

Peter was stopped in his epic quest by a firefighter who told him that it was too dangerous for him to continue to wade up the road.

A passer-by filmed Peter trying to explain to the firefighter that he could not miss class. The video was posted on social media and viewed more than 20,000 times. He was recognised by an Ambler parent because of the distinctive bag he wore.

Peter Hooke, left, and his friend Nick Koo

“I tried to cycle through the water,” Peter said. “When the fireman said I have to turn back I almost started to cry. I don’t want to miss school even though there was a flood.”

He was turned back by the firefighter and his dad had to drive him to the Blackstock Road school another way.

Peter’s best friend Nick Koo, 10, said: “I think he is a hero. Trying to get through the water on his bike, it’s amazing.”

Ambler has launched a crowdfunder for the families who were caught up in Tuesday’s floods. They have raised more than £2,500 of the £15,000 target they set.

Ambler deputy head Sandy McNicholl said: “Quite a few of our families have had severe damage to their homes and have been housed in temporary accommodation in areas as far away as Enfield. One of our families had six-foot of water in their house. They were completely flooded. These families need help and we want to do what we can.”

Peter will be recognised today (Friday) for his heroics in the school’s “Dreams” assembly.

To donate to Ambler’s fundraising effort visit www.justgiving.com and search “Ambler Primary School.”