BEXLEY Council has issued an update after a huge sinkhole forced a road to close in Bexleyheath.
A section of Martens Avenue is currently closed between Watling Street and Park Grove, according to AA maps.
It comes after reports of a large sinkhole were made to police shortly before 9pm yesterday (June 21).
Officers and fire crews attended.
A police cordon was initially put up around the damaged section of the road and officers remained to protect members of the public.
A spokesperson for Bexley Council said the repairs are “likely to take some time” due to the nature of the soil, the depth of the hole, and the need for specialist equipment.
The spokesperson added that nearby homes have not sustained any damage however they have lost access to the road.
They said they will continue to ensure the safety of the site as repairs take place.
Bexley Council and Thames Water are now investigating to establish the cause of the collapse.
The sinkhole, with a five-meter depth, extends across the full width of the carriageway up to the pavements on either side.
A motorcycle also appears to have fallen into the sinkhole.
A barrier has now been set up by Thames Water around the site cordoning off the area.
Cones have also been put in place to protect the damaged area.
Traffic is being diverted towards Leysdown Avenue.
The incident was over for the Brigade shortly before 10.30pm.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called to Martens Avenue, Bexleyheath, shortly before 9pm to reports of a large sinkhole.
“Officers attended and cordons were put in place. There are no reported injuries.”
A further statement from London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called at 9.06pm last night to a sink hole the depth of 5m in the road on Martens Avenue in Bexleyheath.
“We helped make the scene safe and the incident was over for crews by 10.28pm”
A spokesperson for Bexley Council said: “We were alerted by the emergency services just after 9pm last night after a large sinkhole appeared in Martens Avenue, near Old Road, Bexleyheath.
“The hole is about 7m x 7m and 4m deep. It extends across the full width of the carriageway up to the pavements on either side.
“There appears to be no damage to nearby homes, although they are affected by loss of access and some services.
“Police remained at the scene overnight and this morning, along with a Council engineer to ensure the safety of pedestrians and to monitor the situation.
“We have fenced the area off and the road is closed to through traffic.
“The Council and Thames Water are investigating to establish the cause of the collapse. We will continue to be involved to ensure the safety of the site and its repair.
“This is likely to take some time due to the nature of the soil, depth of the hole, and the need for specialist equipment.”
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