A sinkhole measuring 6ft wide and 4ft deep trapped a car while a burst water main left a road “crumbling away” in Holbrook.
Anglian Water teams were called to two burst water mains in Clench Road and The Street shortly after 6am today.
Police at the scene said nearby Heathfield Road appeared to be “crumbling away” and water was all over it after a 4ft deep, 6ft by 6ft hole opened.
Engineers expect to repair the burst main in Clench Road this afternoon – but The Street will be closed for the next few days.
The water company has apologised to customers as many have been left with either low water pressure or no water supply whatsoever.
The front wheel of a white Volkswagen, which was driving along The Street this morning, became embedded in the hole.
Anglian Water said they are in contact with the owner.
Holbrook Academy closed all day after the burst water mains shut off their water supply.
They let parents know about the closure via emails, phone calls and text messages.
Headteacher Dr Simon Letman said: “We’ve heard there are two problems, one on the entrance to Clench Road and the other close to our entrance.
“There is a burst water main next to the entrance and it has shut off the water supply to the school.
“Our toilets don’t work and we have no running water.
“We’re hoping the supply will get back up and running as soon as possible but we will let parents know as soon as that happens.
He added: “We won’t be opening for the rest of the day but hope to be open again tomorrow.
“We’ve been told the Peninsula Sports Centre has also closed to community members.”
An Anglian Water spokeswoman said their teams are working to repair two burst water mains, one of which created the sinkhole.
They said: “We’re very sorry customers in Holbrook may be experiencing low water pressure or no water. We’re working to repair two burst mains in the area – on Clench Road and The Street.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this has caused local residents and the repair work on Clench Road will be completed later today.
“The repair work required on The Street will take longer and we expect the road to be closed for the next few days.
“Engineers will be working to repair the pipe and the damaged road surface.”
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