A Salford street has been shut after a huge sinkhole emerged in its surface.
Roscoe Road, in Irlam, was shut in both directions this afternoon.
Pictures from the scene show a gaping hole in a stretch of road at the junction with Francis Road.
Drivers have been asked to avoid the residential street, off Liverpool Road, as a result of the closure.
The sinkhole has been fenced off, while a police officer could be seen guarding it on Tuesday evening.
A stretch of the street surrounding the hole has also been taped off by police
The cause of the collapse is not yet known.
A spokesperson for Salford council said that highways officers were on site and were 'putting diversions in place for safety'.
Coun Lewis Nelson, who represents Cadishead ward, said the hole first emerged shortly before 4pm today.
He added: "It appeared quite quickly.
"There weren't any obvious signs of it happening, so it is quite a surprise for the community.
"The council and emergency services were quickly on hand to cordon the road off.
"We don't know anything about the circumstances which led to it appearing, so they will need to assess the extent of the damage first."
