Neighbours have been evacuated after a sinkhole was spotted near a block of flats.

The sinkhole was discovered just before 6am this morning in Cedarwood Close, St Albans, and firefighters arrived at 6.35am.

Police were also called to the scene.

People were told to leave Cedar Court shortly after as a precaution.

The hole, around the size of a car, has opened up right next to the block of flats.

A patch of grass has been cordoned off and structural engineers are at the scene.

Hertfordshire County Council is working with St Albans District Council to ensure the wellbeing of those affected.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue said: “We were called to reports of sinkhole at Cedar Court, off Cedarwood Drive in St Albans at 6.35am today and immediately attended the scene to ensure the area was safe. As a precaution the adjacent block of flats has been evacuated. A structural engineer has attended the scene.

“Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents in the area. Utility services have also been on site to ensure gas, electricity and water supplies are isolated. We are working closely with St Albans resilience team at the scene to ensure the safety wellbeing of residents.”

In 2015, a 10m deep hole appeared in Fontmell Close, St Albans. It took more than a year to repair and for the authorities to reopen the road.