Sinkhole affecting two homes

We were called to reports of a sinkhole in Rectory Road, Grays today at 11.40am.

An officer attended and confirmed a sinkhole, approximately 6ft by 4ft, was affecting the driveways of two semi-detached houses.

He requested a crew from Grays attend as a precaution, due to an exposed gas main. Our Urban Search and Rescue team are also in attendance, to assist with investigating the sinkhole further.

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.

"We are working with utilities companies, Essex Police and Thurrock Council to make the scene safe."

The properties were left in the care of the homeowners at 4.07pm.