Two properties were evacuated for more than four hours after a sinkhole was discovered in a south Essex road.

Fire crews were called to reports of a sinkhole in Rectory Road, Grays yesterday at 11.40am.

An officer attended and confirmed a sinkhole, about 6ft by 4ft, was affecting the driveways of two semi-detached houses.

He requested a crew from Grays attend as a precaution, due to an exposed gas main.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service's Urban Search and Rescue team were also in attendance, to assist with investigating the sinkhole further.

Station Manager Ean Summerfield said in a statement yesterday: "Both properties have been evacuated and a section of Rectory Road has been closed, between Chadwell Road and Boscombe Avenue, as a precaution.

"We are working with utilities companies, Essex Police and Thurrock Council to make the scene safe."

The properties were left in the care of the homeowners at 4.07pm.

Rectory Road remains closed this morning.