Sinkhole measuring 3ft in diameter closes London Road, Newark

A hole in the road has necessitated the closure of two Newark roads this evening (Wednesday).

It was initially a 2ft by 1ft hole on London Road and reported to police by a motorist who drove over it.

It was confirmed to be a sinkhole and the smell of gas was reported.

The sinkhole now measures around 3ft in diameter and it was deemed unsafe for motorists to pass by Nottinghamshire Police.

Police were called at 6.27pm and closed the road three minutes later, imposing road closures in the vicinity.

A gas engineer attended at 7.20pm and confirmed a gas leak, which was not too serious and did not require properties to be evacuated.

County councils highways have arrived at the scene and are due to install traffic lights to manage traffic around the sinkhole.

There is no estimated time for London Road to re-open at the moment, say Nottinghamshire Police.

Harcourt Street is inaccessible to through traffic from London Road or Barnbygate.

Police officers are actively encouraging people to stay clear of the area.