Sinkhole likely caused by collapsed mineshaft

Image caption, People have been asked to avoid the area
  • Author, Jake Wallace
  • Role, BBC News, South West

A sinkhole, thought to be caused by a collapsed mineshaft, has appeared close to a coastal footpath near Thurlestone in South Devon.

South West Water (SWW) engineers and highways experts were at the site of the sinkhole by Leasfoot Beach on Tuesday.

The water company said the 12ft (3.6m) wide and 30ft (9m) deep hole was likely caused by a collapsed mineshaft.

Temporary fencing has been erected and the public are being asked to avoid the area.

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