A large sinkhole, that has been increasing in size over the last week, has prompted a safety message for Islanders to give it a wide berth.

The hole has forced the closure of part of the beach footpath at Appley.

It is now being described as a 'complex repair' job by Southern Water, which has apologised.

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A sewer has been identified as the cause and the utility firm is warning residents that water tankers may be spotted in the area until it is fixed.

Island Roads says its team put up the barriers around the sinkhole.

Meanwhile, people in the town have been tweeting about the growing hole - among them, Ryde Inshore Rescue.

Its HQ overlooks the safety cordon.

Southern Water said: "We have been working to investigate the sinkhole that appeared on Appley seafront since it appeared last week.

"Our investigations have established the mains sewer line deep below the surface is the cause.

"While we complete the necessary repairs as quickly as possible, you may see some tankers in the area. They are critical to helping us to maintain wastewater services until the repair is complete, so that local residents and businesses can continue to use kitchen and bathroom facilities as normal.

"This is a complex repair, due to the size and depth of the pipe, that requires specialist services from the mainland. We also face the challenge of a forecast for heavy rainfall this week.

"We recognise the disruption this has caused locally and apologise to those affected.  

"We wish to reassure customers that we are working to rectify the issue as quickly as possible and thank them for their patience and for giving our frontline workers the safe distance they need to carry out their work safely."