6pm update: Engineers investigate ‘large hole’ in Gorleston High Street

The "large hole" in Gorleston High Street revealed a cavern below. Archant

Police have cordoned off Gorleston High Street after a “large hole” appeared in the road outside QD Stores.

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A "large hole" appeared in Gorleston High Street. It is deep enough to fit a broom in, and forced police to close the road.

A Norfolk police spokesman said a bus driver phoned them at 3.50pm today (Friday) to report the 1ft x 1ft hole, which exposed a “cavern” below.

It is several feet deep, with workmen able to fit the length of a broom beneath the road.

The spokesman added: “A large hole has just appeared in the road outside QD.

“The road surface has given way and highways have been called to attend.

“The road has been closed.”

They said no vehicle or person had fallen into the hole.

Highways staff are understood to be investigating whether the cause of the incident is a collapsed sewer.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: “This was first reported as a depression in the surface earlier on Friday, when no immediate action was thought necessary.

“Since then, a cavity has appeared and an emergency response team was mobilised.

“The cavity was found not to be particularly deep, so it should be possible to complete a semi-permanent repair that makes the area safe.

“A more thorough investigation to establish the cause of the subsidence will be carried out in due course.”

Did you see what happened? Email reporter lauren.rogers@archant.co.uk