Help! Leaking roof. To burst or not to burst plaster bubble?

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This may be a Sporners corner/Property crossover!

We have a leak in the top of a window alcove, I think right below where the roof of the house and the extension join. I've called and left messages for two roofers but who knows when they will be able to get here or even if they'll return my calls as every tradesperson seems to be booked up till the end of time.

In the meantime...to avoid further damage, should I put a bucket below and burst the "bubble" where the plaster appears to be sagging away from the top of the window alcove? Not sure if it's filled with water and dragging the plaster down so would it be better to relieve the pressure and lance the boil!? (My idea) Or is punching a hole a terrible idea??? (DIY phobic DH's reaction)

Completely unclear picture attached but hopefully you can see where the arrow is pointing to the bubble.

Well we did to save the joists and a lot of plaster crashing down.

I would burst it definitely, then the flow is controlled a bit, otherwise it’ll carry on spreading.

You are supposed to puncture the ceiling if you have a leak, yes. Otherwise it causes more damage. Much more damage.

If you lance the boil - not only will you need a bucket, but also cover the area with either plastic or some old towels first and wear a raincoat or very old clothes. 🤣
I can’t say which approach is best, but I did lance it, because I get it was easier to be in control and to clear up when it did burst - it’s only a matter of time before the plaster gives way. Not if but when..

I have no advice. Just here for the pictures.

Yes, lance and bucket. And just check it isn't due to that down pipe overflowing due to being blocked before you call in any roofers.

Yep lance it.

At least that way you have a degree of control over what happens and when.

If you let the water build, when it finally bursts it's going to create far more mess/damage than if you intervene and manually provide an exit for the water to go.

Just be prepared for far more water than you are anticipating and have many buckets on standby.

Thanks so much everyone. I will roll up my sleeves and lance (and come back with pictures!) Luckily I think the top of that window is just a bit of boxing in between the walls to either side which are stone (old fisherman's cottage).

I think the damage was probably originally caused or contributed to by the blocked down pipe but that was cleared weeks ago, yet water is still entering. So I think the flashing might no longer be sound on the roof join.

Well I know the rules, here are some photos - I plucked up the courage and lanced the boil while DH walked the dog as he couldn't bear it (he has bad memories of a dad who was a bit of a DIY bodger).

Mop, old towel, and used a kitchen knife to drill a small tasteful hole through some very soft and soggy plaster. I don't know if I was more relieved or disappointed not to have a waterfall but nothing came out so I have set up the dehumidifier to try and dry out any sogginess, until I can get someone to replaster (though would not be averse to trying this myself, is it hard?)

I'm now thinking this is more likely to be damage from weeks back when the drainpipe was blocked (this is our only home but we work away in school terms). I will still try and get a roofer to have a look and make sure.

Thank you everyone for your excellent advice!!

If the roofer patches it up and stops the leak, the plaster will dry and the wallpaper will probably stick back to the ceiling or dry in a pouch. Looking at the hole you only need a bit of filler or caulk and paint over it. When you come to re-decorate, you may find a crack in the plaster, again fill and re-paper. If it's very bad then look into getting a plasterer.

I agree with this. Plastering is difficult, hard to get it smooth.