INDESIT IDL 40S problem?

Hello, my INDESIT IDL 40S starts the cycle with the water intake as normal but then stops after a fem minutes. When you then open the door to check what’s happened there is a great amount of steam present and you can see the heating element glowing Red Hot.
On checking the water level in the washer it has not risen above the element it has stopped just below it. Any idea, Thanks

Joe Mc
February 2010