A sinkhole believed to be at least five metres deep has opened up in the high street of a busy seaside town.
The sinkhole appeared in the surface of Sheringham's High Street, near to Crofters Restaurant, around 1pm today (Saturday, May 25).
Liz Withington, the town's deputy mayor, said emergency services were soon there.
The High Street was closed from the Lobster Pub in the north to the Augusta Street/Church Street junction in the south.
Ms Withington said: "It all happened very quickly.
"There was nobody injured. A number of local people quickly diverted traffic and pedestrians, and police were quickly on the scene.
"Fire and rescue from Sheringham's station were also there, checking for gas, and they put a limited evacuation around it.
A Norfolk Fire and Rescue spokesman said the sinkhole was at least five metres - more than 16ft - deep, and was connected to a burst water main.
The spokesman said crews from Sheringham and Cromer stations attended because of initial fears there may have been a gas leak.
He said: "Initially it looked like there may have been gas involved but that was later discounted. The incident is now being looked at by police, Anglian Water and the highways department. It looks like it's probably about five metres deep."
Ms Withington said the sinkhole looked like it was about 2ft wide.
Norfolk Police urged people to avoid the area. They said: "Officers are in the High Street in Sheringham after reports a hole has appeared in the road. The High Street is closed at its junctions with Wyndham Street and Church Street, so please avoid the area if possible."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here