SOME drivers have already battered their car tyres driving over a sinkhole which has opened up in Oxford Road, Colchester.

The hole, said to be the size of a car wheel, is likely to be causing problems near Colchester High School.

One parent from Fingringhoe told the Gazette it is right in the middle of the street.

Gazette:

A closer view of the sunken patch

She said: "A human being could fall down it quite easily. It's very dangerous.

"We were gesticulating and telling this driver not to go over it, but they just did anyway. 

"The whole wheel went down the hole and back out again.

"It looked horrific.

"Colchester seems to have a lot of these - I wonder if there's a Roman temple underneath."

Gazette:

Drivers are being told to avoid the road for now

Essex Highways has now sent an emergency crew to hopefully, plug the gap.

A spokesman said: “We’re grateful to everyone who reported this problem.

“This crew will be checking the hole and will make it safe with a view to a permanent repair as soon as possible.”