AN OXFORD city centre street has been closed after a hole appeared in the middle of the road.

Works are expected to last until Wednesday afternoon on the repairs, with a burst underground pipe believed to be responsible.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue say they were contacted at about 8am about a sinkhole that had opened up on Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian.

Water from a leaking pipe caused the damage and Thames Water has been called to inspect it.

Spokesman for the water company Lee Irving said: “We will investigate if the burst pipe caused the ground to collapse or vice versa while we carry out the repair.

“We’re sorry we’ve had to close off Broad Street, but it’s essential to allow us to complete the work safely. We expect to be finished by tomorrow afternoon.”

County Council spokesman Martin Crabtree said: “Our fire and rescue service attended Broad Street at around 8am this morning following reports of a hole in the road.

"Further investigations carried out by our own highways team and Thames Water found that water from a leaking pipe had caused the damage. Thames Water will now be carrying out the necessary repairs.

“We are alerting tour buses and advising them to alter their routes and not use Broad Street. Light deliveries for businesses can be made via Turl St."

A live webcam from Oxford Martin School shows part of the area closed after the hole appeared.