A SINKHOLE appeared in central Newport this afternoon (Sunday, March 12), prompting a multi-agency response.

Island Roads and SGN have been at the scene on Quay Street, opposite the Isle of Wight Law Courts.

The photo below shows a sense of the scale of the sinkhole, taken before the arrival of emergency teams, and the area has since been cordoned off.

Isle of Wight County Press: Quay Street sinkhole: A sense of scaleQuay Street sinkhole: A sense of scale (Image: Vix Lowthion)

There are concerns, as the hole, which is a couple of metres deep, has appeared nearby to residential properties.

The whole road has been blocked and further investigations are expected to be carried out by both Island Roads and SGN.

Isle of Wight County Press:

More to follow.

What is a sinkhole?

A sinkhole is a hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. Broken water mains, sewage pipes and drainpipes underneath roads are all common sinkhole causes.

Photos courtesy of Vix Lowthion.

Isle of Wight County Press: Inside the Quay Street sinkholeInside the Quay Street sinkhole (Image: Vix Lowthion)

Isle of Wight County Press: Inside the Quay Street sinkholeInside the Quay Street sinkhole (Image: Vix Lowthion)