Work begins to solve sinkhole 'mystery' at Exmouth beach

East Devon District Council is advising dog walkers and bathers to avoid the cordoned off area where the excavation work is being carried out

The cause of a mystery sinkhole that keeps appearing on a beach after heavy rainfall may be soon be discovered.

South West Water is carrying out excavation work at Orcombe Point, near Exmouth, to see if the issue is being caused by a blocked pipe.

A hole measuring more than 6ft (1.8m) wide and thought to be up to 10ft (3m) deep has been cordoned off.

Nick Christo, from East Devon District Council, is "confident" the work will resolve the problem.

Following a tip off from a member of the public, East Devon District Council engineers discovered a South West Water pipe deep under the sand.

"We are working with the tides, so digging will start as early as possible in the morning," Mr Christo said.

"We're very confident we can resolve this problem and open up that area of the beach again for everyone to enjoy."

The sinkhole has appeared in the same spot three times in six weeks