Grays sinkhole: Rectory Road closed and homes evacuated

Rectory Road in Grays has been closed between Chadwell Road and Boscombe Avenue

A road has been closed and two homes have been evacuated after a sinkhole appeared on Thursday.

Essex Fire Service said a sinkhole, measuring approximately 6ft (1.8m) by 4ft (1.2m), was affecting the driveways of two adjoining properties on Rectory Road in Grays.

Thurrock Council said the road had been closed as a precautionary measure.

The fire service said it was working with the council, police and utility companies "to make the scene safe".

The service said it was called to a report of a sinkhole at 11:40 GMT and "requested a crew from Grays attend as a precaution, due to an exposed gas main", a spokesperson said.

"Our urban search and rescue team have also been requested to assist with investigating the sinkhole further," they said.

Station manager Ean Summerfield said: "Both properties have been evacuated and a section of Rectory Road has been closed, between Chadwell Road and Boscombe Avenue, as a precaution."

A spokesman for the council said there were no injuries it had been made aware of.